Slop Bowl
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Allen Clark
(American, 1774 - 1861)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Sylvia Barnes
(American, 1782 - 1857)
MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateearly 19th century
MediumMechanically-molded earthenware with underglaze black decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 3 1/8 x 6 5/8in. (7.9 x 16.8cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ellen J. Westerberg in memory of Elizabeth B. Clark
Object number1963.31.6
DescriptionRound slop bowl of cream-colored earthenware, a type of cermamic known as creamware. The slop bowl is decorated with a black, underglaze, transfer-printed pattern and border. The pattern, printed twice on the outside of the slop bowl, shows three ships in a harbor or river on the right, with a flock of birds flying overhead. One of the ships is capable of operating under steam power. A beach and shoreline, probably part of an island or small peninsula, is in the foreground in the center. A wagon and many small figures populate the beach. A house and trees sit on a rock overlooking the body of water. In the foreground, a man sits along a wall and looks out to sea, while a woman, child, and dog play in the foreground near an umbrella leaning against a rock. To the left, another ship is visible floating in the body of water, and there are mountains in the distance. A small version of this same pattern is printed on the inside bottom of the bowl, surrounded by a scalloped line. Finally, an elaborate border is transfer-printed along the inside of the rim. The border consists of flowers and geometric shapes in an overall swagged pattern. There are many scratches and spots of discoloration on the inside bottom of the slop bowl. Most of the surfaces of the slop bowl have light crazing.
NotesSubject Note: According to museum records, the ships in the harbor are "supposed to be Admiral Vernon's ships in harbor". Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) was a commander in the Royal Navy during the French and Indian War (1755-1763). It is most likely not the case that this scene shows Vernon's ships, as the figures in the scene are wearing nineteenth-century clothing, and one of the ships appears to be capable of moving on steam power. (Hunt 12/8/2004)Status
Not on view
