Water Cooler
MakerMade by
Thompson Harrington
(American, 1803 - 1874)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Isaiah Gilbert
Dateabout 1830-1850
MediumWheel-thrown stoneware with a salt glaze, brown slip glaze, and cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including handles x depth): 20 x 14 x 13in. (50.8 x 35.6 x 33cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Julia F. White
Object number1920.6.0
DescriptionLarge, ovoid, stoneware water cooler with a salt glaze on the exterior and a brown slip glaze, or Albany-type glaze, on the interior. The water cooler has a flat base and sides that swell gently then narrow at the shoulder and neck to form a small, plain rim. Impressed rosettes circle the outside of the rim, with two incised bands below. Four narrow incised lines circle the bottom of the cooler's neck. The water cooler has two exuberant, pulled strap handles located on opposite sides that connect the neck and shoulder. Cobalt blue has been applied at both ends of each of the handles, and impressed rosettes circle the base of each handle. The cooler has two stamped marks indicating maker and owner, each on opposite sides between the handles. Each of the marks is decorated with cobalt blue and is surrounded by incised lines, also filled in with cobalt blue. The first reads, "MADE/ BY/ T. HARRINGTON./ HARTFORD/ CONN". This mark is surrounded by impressed rosettes and incised lines below, creating a swag, two flowers, leaves, and a stem. On the opposite side of the water cooler, the mark reads, "ISAIAH GILBERT,/ WEST HARTFORD./ CONN." This is surrounded by two sprigg-molded tassels, impressed rosettes, and additional incised lines creating a swag below the mark. A circular spout is located beneath this mark, at the base of the water cooler. The spout is circled by impressed rosettes and cobalt blue decoration. Two raised lines circle the base of the water cooler.
Above the spout is a large, textured, raised, grey area, which occurred at the time of manufacture. Two cracks, or possibly incised lines, emerge from this area to the lower right. On the opposite side, below the mark, part of the water cooler is indented. There are also indentations near the base of each handle. Overall, the salt glaze changes from grey to light brown, and at times, dark brown. There is a lengthy but shallow chip in the rim. One of the handles cracked near the base and was repaired at some time in the past.
Above the spout is a large, textured, raised, grey area, which occurred at the time of manufacture. Two cracks, or possibly incised lines, emerge from this area to the lower right. On the opposite side, below the mark, part of the water cooler is indented. There are also indentations near the base of each handle. Overall, the salt glaze changes from grey to light brown, and at times, dark brown. There is a lengthy but shallow chip in the rim. One of the handles cracked near the base and was repaired at some time in the past.
Status
Not on view
