Teapot
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 including lid x width x depth): 5 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 5 1/8in. (14 x 24.1 x 13cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Elinor B. Ingersoll
Object number1965.88.1a-b
DescriptionRectangular teapot of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The teapot (.a) sits on a rectangular foot and has swelled sides that narrow and then flare again just below the rim. A molded spout and handle have been applied on opposite sides of the teapot, just on top of two mold lines in the ceramic. The teapot 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 teapot. Each pattern is surrounded by a circular border of white geometric shapes, then various flowers and leaves on a blue field. A border is printed at the rim of the teapot, and consists of various flowers and leaves on a blue field. The spout is decorated with printed white flowers and blue leaves, while the handle is decorated with multiple rows of small blue dots surrounded by blue circles.
The teapot has a lid (.b) which is decorated at the rim with a border of various flowers and leaves on a blue field. There is a small hole in the ceramic just to the left of the handle. The rectangular finial on the lid is printed with many small blue circles.
The lid is a replacement, and the tip of the spout has chipped away. There are three large cracks in the bottom of the teapot that extend up the sides almost to the rim. These cracks are now visible as brown lines. There is crazing on the surfaces of the lid, and some yellow discoloration on the inside bottom of the lid.
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 teapot has a lid (.b) which is decorated at the rim with a border of various flowers and leaves on a blue field. There is a small hole in the ceramic just to the left of the handle. The rectangular finial on the lid is printed with many small blue circles.
The lid is a replacement, and the tip of the spout has chipped away. There are three large cracks in the bottom of the teapot that extend up the sides almost to the rim. These cracks are now visible as brown lines. There is crazing on the surfaces of the lid, and some yellow discoloration on the inside bottom of the lid.
Status
Not on view
