Sugar Bowl
MakerAttributed to
Andrew Stevenson
(English, 1816 - 1830)
Date1816-1830
MediumMold-formed buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 3 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 4in. (8.9 x 17.1 x 10.2cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of the heirs of Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.1.7
DescriptionRectangular sugar bowl of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The sugar bowl sits on a rectangular foot and has swelled sides that narrow just before flaring at the rim. Two semi-circular molded handles have been applied at opposite ends of the sugar bowl over two mold lines. The sugar bowl 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 opposite sides of the sugar bowl. Each pattern is surrounded by a circular border of white geometric shapes, then various flowers and leaves on a blue field.
The sugar bowl had a lid at one time, although it is now missing. There is crazing and a light yellow discoloration on all the surfaces of the sugar bowl. There are eight chips of various sizes on the projecting portions of the rim.
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)The sugar bowl had a lid at one time, although it is now missing. There is crazing and a light yellow discoloration on all the surfaces of the sugar bowl. There are eight chips of various sizes on the projecting portions of the rim.
Status
Not on view
