Saucers
MakerMade by
Andrew Stevenson
(English, 1816 - 1830)
Date1816-1830
MediumMechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter .1): 5 3/8in. (13.7cm)
Primary Dimensions (diameter .2): 5 1/4in. (13.3cm)
Primary Dimensions (diameter .3-.5): 5 1/2in. (14cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LinePossibly a gift of Morgan B. Brainard or his estate
Object number1950.259.0.1-.5
DescriptionGroup of five round saucers of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. Each saucer is decorated with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern titled "State House Hartford" on the back. 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 surrounded by a narrow, white, scalloped line, then a border that covers the rim. This border has various flowers and leaves on a blue background, that fades from dark blue at the outer edge of the border to light blue at the inner edge of the border.
Not all of the saucers are exactly the same shape, although each fits the same general description. Saucer .3 has a deeper curve to the rim, while saucer .2 is smaller and more shallow than the rest.
Each saucer has light scratches on the surface of the glaze. All but one of the saucers have crazing; the exception is saucer .2. Saucers .3, .4, and .5 have a yellow discoloration. There is a small, oval, yellow sticker with the number "3" printed in black ink that is adhered to the surface of saucer .4.
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)Not all of the saucers are exactly the same shape, although each fits the same general description. Saucer .3 has a deeper curve to the rim, while saucer .2 is smaller and more shallow than the rest.
Each saucer has light scratches on the surface of the glaze. All but one of the saucers have crazing; the exception is saucer .2. Saucers .3, .4, and .5 have a yellow discoloration. There is a small, oval, yellow sticker with the number "3" printed in black ink that is adhered to the surface of saucer .4.
Status
Not on view
