Lidded Chamber Pot
MakerAttributed to
Ralph Stevenson
(English, 1810 - 1832)
After a work byAfter an engraving by
Asaph Willard
(1786 - 1880)
After a work byAfter a work by
H. Brown
Dateabout 1830
MediumMechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height including lid x width including handle x depth): 11 x 9 x 9 3/4in. (27.9 x 22.9 x 24.8cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1979.13.1a-b
DescriptionRound, lidded chamber pot of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The chamber pot (.a) has a round foot, swelled sides, and a molded and applied handle. The chamber pot has a flared rim that supports a low, wide lid with an oval handle. The chamber pot is decorated with three transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue patterns and a single border. The outside of the chamber pot is printed with three patterns, one of which is repeated twice. The pattern that is printed twice, to the left and right of the handle, shows a long, rectangular, three-story building with a pediment over a small door that is flanked by two pilasters on each side. Five chimneys are visible on the roof, and there is a low fence to the left of the building. There are four individuals walking on the lawn in the foreground, two to the left and two to the right of the building. The pattern that is printed only once on the outside of the chamber pot is located almost directly across from the handle. This pattern shows an extensive three-story building with a circular cupula, many windows, and a white fence partially covering the front of the building. Two individuals are walking on the lawn in front of the fence, and trees frame the pattern on either side. The border, printed on the foot, handle, and rim, consists of light blue and white leaves on a field of dark blue. Finally, there is a third pattern printed on the inside bottom of the chamber pot. This circular pattern shows a wide, multi-story stone building with many pilasters on the front facade. Multiple steps lead up to a projecting pediment supported by columns. The roofline reveals that the center of the building contains an extensive circular, domed room. There are many individuals walking on the lawn in front of the building, and a tree in the left foreground frames the scene. There is crazing over all the surfaces of the chamber pot.
Lid (.b): The same pattern printed on the inside of the chamber pot is found printed on the top of the lid. It is surrounded by a border of light blue and white leaves on a field of dark blue. An oval finial sits in the middle of the lid, interrupting the pattern. A border of small, white, semi-circles on a field of dark blue decorates the handle. There is crazing on all the surfaces of the lid.
NotesSubject Note: The source for this view of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum in Hartford is an engraving by Asaph Willard (1786-1880), who worked in Hartford after 1818. The engraving is titled, "View of the Asylum for Deaf & Dumb Persons, Hartford, Con." This view was copied by John Warner Barber for publication in "Connecticut Historical Collections," 1836. The Staffordshire firms of J. & W. Ridgway and Ralph Stevenson produced ceramics with this pattern.Lid (.b): The same pattern printed on the inside of the chamber pot is found printed on the top of the lid. It is surrounded by a border of light blue and white leaves on a field of dark blue. An oval finial sits in the middle of the lid, interrupting the pattern. A border of small, white, semi-circles on a field of dark blue decorates the handle. There is crazing on all the surfaces of the lid.
Source Note: The source of the view of the New York City Almshouse, printed once on the outside of the chamber pot, opposite the handle, is not certain, although several similar views were published in 1817 and 1818. Andrew Stevenson, Ralph Stevenson, and J & W Ridgway all manufactured ceramics with this pattern.
Source Note: The source of the view of the United States Capitol building, printed on the inside and lid of the chamber pot, is based on a drawing by H. Brown, engraved and printed by Fenner, Sears & Co. and published in London in March 1831. J. &. W. Ridgway and Ralph Stevenson manufactured ceramics with this pattern.
Status
Not on view
