Plate
MakerPossibly made by
Staffordshire potteries
(English, 17th century-present)
Dateafter 1852
MediumMechanically-molded ironstone with underglaze black decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 6 1/8in. (15.6cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Hicks
DescriptionSmall, round, ironstone plate with a transfer-printed underglaze black pattern. The pattern is titled, "PRAYER MEETING IN UNCLE TOM'S CABIN" above a scene showing several African-American adults, children, and infants kneeling or standing around a fireplace. A portrait and three images hang above the fireplace, while a jar, candlestick, teapot, and octagonal plate rest on the fireplace itself. Words below the pattern read, "In the language of a pious old negro/ Tom pray'd right up." The pattern is surrounded by the rim, which has raised decorations. The raised decorations are oval spaces with doves inside, each with an olive branch in its mouth. There are scratches all over the surface of the plate, as well as light crazing along the rim. The scratches, crazing, and raised decorations have accumulated dirt.
Object number1953.61.8
NotesSubject Note: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe was published in 1852. The portrait over the fireplace was probably that of George Washington, as described in chapter four of the book. The quote on the plate comes from the same chapter ... "in the language of a pious old negro, he 'prayed right up." See the text entries for relevant exercepts from chapter four.On View
Not on view
