Gemel Bottle
MakerMade by
Stedman & Seymour
(American)
Dateabout 1835
MediumWheel-thrown stoneware with cobalt blue decoration; cork
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 8 1/4 x 8 x 5in. (21 x 20.3 x 12.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1963.12.1
DescriptionGrey, stoneware gemel bottle consisting of one ovoid jug connected to a smaller ovoid bottle through an opening on the side. The pair have a salt glaze on the exterior and a brown slip glaze, or Albany-type glaze, on the interior. The larger jug has a flat bottom and sides that swell slightly then narrow to form a narrow, collared rim. A pulled strap handle is applied to one side, connecting the neck and body of the jug. Opposite the handle is an impressed mark, "STEDMAN/ SEYMOUR/ NEW HAVEN". "New Haven" is in italics, and an impressed, scalloped line is located above the mark. Cobalt blue is hand-painted over this mark, both ends of the handle, and the area between the jug and bottle. The smaller bottle, applied to the left of the mark on the jug, closer to the handle, has a flat bottom and ovoid sides that swell slighly then narrow to form a plain rim. To one side, close to the area where the two are connected, is a double impressed mark, "NEW HAVEN/ NEW HAVEN", both in italics. This mark is also hand-painted with cobalt blue. There are a few minor imperfections in the glaze, including minor discoloration on the jug. The cork is still located in the rim of the jug, although a few pieces are missing from the top edge.
NotesObject Note: Gemel bottles are formed by connecting two separate bottles; they are not connected on the interior. (Hunt 1/13/2005)Status
Not on view
