Coffeepot or Urn
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 width including handles x depth): 9 x 10 1/2 x 6 1/2in. (22.9 x 26.7 x 16.5cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of the heirs of Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.1.1
DescriptionUrn-shaped coffeepot of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The urn-shaped body of the coffeepot sits on a wide foot. At one time, a molded handle and spout were applied to the ceramic on opposite sides of the coffeepot. However, the spout broke off and was replaced by a second handle, creating a two-handled urn. The neck of the coffeepot narrows to form a nearly cylindrical rim. The coffeepot is decorated with a 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 the coffeepot, once on each side. It is surrounded by various flowers and leaves on a field of blue. The coffeepot is also decorated with an additional border at the foot, neck, and rim. The border has various flowers and leaves on a blue background, with a final line of small, white, geometric shapes at one side of the border. The handles are decorated with multiple rows of blue dots surrounded by blue circles.
The handle, fabricated of a conservation material to replace the spout, is now yellow, as are the areas on the rim and side of the coffeepot where the material was spread to repair damage and fill holes and chips. Some portions of the blue decoration were repainted, along the border and on the handle. The rest of the coffeepot has many light scratches and some crazing and discoloration.
The handle, fabricated of a conservation material to replace the spout, is now yellow, as are the areas on the rim and side of the coffeepot where the material was spread to repair damage and fill holes and chips. Some portions of the blue decoration were repainted, along the border and on the handle. The rest of the coffeepot has many light scratches and some crazing and discoloration.
Label TextThis "urn" started life as a coffeepot, but was later modified, probably in the Colonial Revival period (1880s-1920s). This Staffordshire piece predates the 1827 addition of the coupola to the "new" State House.
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)Status
On view
