Tea Bowls
MakerAttributed to
Andrew Stevenson
(English, 1816 - 1830)
Date1816-1830
MediumMechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter of .9): 2 1/2 x 4 1/4in. (6.4 x 10.8cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x diameter of .10): 2 3/8 x 3 5/8in. (6 x 9.2cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x diameter of .11): 2 3/8 x 3 1/2in. (6 x 8.9cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x diameter of .12): 2 1/8 x 3 1/2in. (5.4 x 8.9cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard, Jr.
Object number1978.102.9-.12
DescriptionGroup of four round tea bowls of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. Each tea bowl is decorated with the same transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern titled, "State House Hartford" on the bottom. The pattern shows a neoclassical, or Federal style, building. The building sits on a tall, stone first floor, with two brick storeys above it. The structure has a projecting portico with six columns, a balustrade, and four chimneys emerging from the roof. There are two tall trees on either side of the building and a fence in the background. A man with a cane or walking stick is standing on the lawn in front of the building. The pattern is printed twice on the outside of each tea bowl. Between the patterns, various leaves and flowers are printed on a dark blue field. There is a white, narrow scalloped line at the outer and inner edges of the rim. A border is printed beneath this on the inside edge of the rim. The border consists of various flowers and leaves on a blue background. A circular pattern of a white flower on a dark blue field is printed on the inside bottom of each tea bowl.
Although each tea bowl fits the same general description, tea bowl .9 is larger than the rest and has a shorter foot than the others. Additionally, the condition varies from one tea bowl to another. Tea bowl .9 has light scratches and crazing over most surfaces and the sticky residue from a now absent sticker on the bottom. Tea bowl .10 has many spots of brown discoloration, and a overall yellowish-brown discoloration on the inside and outside of the foot. Tea bowl .10 also has a yellow, oval sticker with the printed number "3" near the outside of the rim. Tea bowl .11 also has many spots of brown discoloration, and an overall yellowish-brown discoloration. Tea bowl .12 has light scratches over the inside bottom of the tea bowl, and a large crack running from the rim to the bottom. The ceramic around the crack has turned a light brown.
NotesSubject Note: The Connecticut State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch of Boston, and built by Jeremiah Halsey of Preston, Connecticut, and Andrew Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. The first session of the General Assembly was held in the State House on 11 May 1796. In 1878, the State House was turned over for use as a City Hall. In 1915, the Old State House was abandoned, and used intermittently for various non-governmental purposes. Several restoration projects took place over the following years, and in 1961, the Old State House was designated a National Historic Landmark. (Hunt 11/4/2004)Although each tea bowl fits the same general description, tea bowl .9 is larger than the rest and has a shorter foot than the others. Additionally, the condition varies from one tea bowl to another. Tea bowl .9 has light scratches and crazing over most surfaces and the sticky residue from a now absent sticker on the bottom. Tea bowl .10 has many spots of brown discoloration, and a overall yellowish-brown discoloration on the inside and outside of the foot. Tea bowl .10 also has a yellow, oval sticker with the printed number "3" near the outside of the rim. Tea bowl .11 also has many spots of brown discoloration, and an overall yellowish-brown discoloration. Tea bowl .12 has light scratches over the inside bottom of the tea bowl, and a large crack running from the rim to the bottom. The ceramic around the crack has turned a light brown.
Status
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