Tea Bowl and Saucer
MakerMade by
Enoch Wood & Sons
(English, July 1818-1846)
SubjectScene from the life of
Commodore Thomas MacDonough
(American, 1783 - 1825)
After a work byAfter a painting by
H. Reinagle
After a work byAfter an engraving by
Benjamin Tanner
(American, 1775 - 1848)
Date1818-1846
MediumMechanically-molded ironstone with underglaze cobalt blue decoration.
DimensionsComponent (height x diameter of tea bowl): 2 1/2 x 3 3/4in. (6.4 x 9.5cm)
Component (diameter of saucer): 5 3/4in. (14.6cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Philip H. Hammerslough
Object number1955.2.3a-b
DescriptionRound, ironstone tea bowl and saucer decorated with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern and border. The pattern is titled "COMMODORE MAC DONOUGHS VICTORY". The pattern shows several sailing ships in a harbor, and two small figures standing in the foreground on a rocky shore looking out at the ships. The ships appear to be engaged in battle, as three ships are partially surrounded by smoke. There are low mountains in the distance and the sky is filled with clouds. The scene is surrounded by a border with large shells and small plants and flowers on a dark blue background, known as the "shell border" by Enoch Wood.
Tea bowl (.a): The pattern is printed twice on the outside of the tea bowl, although without the title, and is surrounded by the border as described above. The border is also printed on the inside of the rim. There is a large crack running from the rim towards the bottom, then curving upwards again. The crack may still be active. All the surfaces of the tea bowl have crazing.
Saucer (.b): The pattern and title is printed once in the center of the saucer, and is surrounded by the shell border. There is crazing over all the surfaces of the saucer.
NotesSubject Note: Thomas MacDonough, Jr. (1783-1825) of Delaware is known for his service in the American Navy during the War with Tripoli and the War of 1812. His most notable victory was the Battle of Plattsburg, where he prevented the British from invading New York State on 11 September 1814. This tea bowl and saucer probably depict this victory. Commodore MacDonough married Lucy Ann Shaler of Middletown, Connecticut, and was interred there after his death. (Hunt 9/10/2004)Tea bowl (.a): The pattern is printed twice on the outside of the tea bowl, although without the title, and is surrounded by the border as described above. The border is also printed on the inside of the rim. There is a large crack running from the rim towards the bottom, then curving upwards again. The crack may still be active. All the surfaces of the tea bowl have crazing.
Saucer (.b): The pattern and title is printed once in the center of the saucer, and is surrounded by the shell border. There is crazing over all the surfaces of the saucer.
Source Note: This scene is after a painting by H. Reiangle, engraved by Benjamin Tanner (1775-1848), printed by Rogers and Esler, published 4 July 1816, by Benjamin Tanner, Philadelphia. The title of the engraving is "MacDonough's Victory on Lake Champlain and Defeat of the British Army at Plattsburg by Genl. Macomb, Septr. 11th, 1814". (Hunt 10/15/2004)
Status
Not on view
