Cream Pitcher
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 x depth): 4 1/2 x 5 5/8 x 3in. (11.4 x 14.3 x 7.6cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LinePossibly a gift of Morgan B. Brainard or his estate
Object number1950.265.0
DescriptionRectangular cream pitcher of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The cream pitcher has a rectangular foot with rounded corners, swelled sides, and a slightly narrower neck that flares to a spout at the rim. A molded handle is applied opposite the spout. The cream pitcher is decorated with an underglaze cobalt blue transfer-printed pattern titled, "State House Hartford". The pattern, printed once on each side of the cream pitcher, shows a neoclassical, or Federal style, building. The building sits on a tall, stone first floor, with two brick stories 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 various flowers and leaves superimposed on a field of blue. A border has been printed along the outside edge of the rim. This border also has various flowers and leaves on a blue background. The handle is decorated with a series of small double circles, and a single flower on a circular blue field is transfer-printed on the inside of the spout. The surface of the ceramic is uneven, and small amounts of dirt have adhered to the projecting portions of the glaze. There are some spots of discoloration on the inside of the cream pitcher.
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
Not on view
