Mug
Original OwnerProbably originally owned by the
Pratt family
MakerMade by
Unknown
Datemid 18th century
MediumWheel-thrown salt-glaze stoneware with cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 6 1/8 x 5 x 4 1/2in. (15.6 x 12.7 x 11.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Reuben Langdon
Object number1843.14.0
DescriptionCylindrical, grey mug made of stoneware with a salt glaze and cobalt blue decoration. When it was made, the mug experienced flattening at the rim and sides, meaning it is not truly cylindrical. The decorations on the outside of the mug are split into four bands of roughly equal size, described here from top to bottom. At the top of the mug, the ceramic is plain, although some clay was likely removed from this area to create thinner walls for the rim. Below this is an area of combed decoration, consisting of a series of raised or impressed lines. Two bands of the combed decoration have been decorated with cobalt blue. The third band of decoration from the top was not combed, but left plain, then incised with an undulating band of closely spaced zig-zagging lines. Above and below the undulating band, the potter incised irregular, organic shapes, which were filled in with cobalt blue. The final band of decoration at the bottom of the mug is the same as the combed decoration described above. Two bands of the combed decoration have been decorated with cobalt blue. The mug has an applied, pulled, strap handle at one side. The incised decoration is interrupted on either side to make way for the handle. A small area of the pattern from a plain-woven textile is found impressed in the center of the bottom of the mug.
There are two chips in the rim, and one is much larger than the other. Two significant cracks have formed, beginning at the rim and traveling half way down the side of the mug. There are three spots of clear wax adhered to the bottom of the mug.
NotesOwner Note: A "History of Hartford Streets" states that on 25 October 1814, John and James Pratt conveyed land to the city to form Pratt Street. John and James Pratt are the sons of Zachariah Pratt (1726/7-1805) of England. The James Pratt house was located at the northwest corner of Pratt and Main Streets in Hartford, Connecticut. James Pratt was born in 1753. Copies of documents relating to the Pratts are located in object file 1843.14.0. (Johnson and Hunt 1/7/2005)There are two chips in the rim, and one is much larger than the other. Two significant cracks have formed, beginning at the rim and traveling half way down the side of the mug. There are three spots of clear wax adhered to the bottom of the mug.
Subject Note: German stoneware was imported into the colonies from Rotterdam, Germany via England. This corresponds to the historical documents related to this mug, which state it was brought from England. (Hunt 1/7/2005)
Status
Not on view
