Washbowl and Pitcher
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Prudence Crandall
American, 1803 - 1889
MakerPossibly made by
Staffordshire potteries
English, 17th century-present
Dateabout 1825
MediumWheel-thrown and mechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsComponent (height x width of pitcher): 8 x 7 5/8in. (20.3 x 19.4cm)
Component (height x diameter of washbowl): 4 x 11 1/4in. (10.2 x 28.6cm)
Component (height x diameter of washbowl): 4 x 11 1/4in. (10.2 x 28.6cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Julia Smith
DescriptionWashbowl and pitcher made of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted lead glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The washbowl and pitcher have a pattern that was transfer printed in dark underglaze cobalt blue. The central pattern consists of a crennelated structure with attached conservatory set in a wooded landscape. Two figures, a man and woman, are reading by a stream running through the foreground. The pitcher contains the same view but extended to include two views of an additional white structure, river, and cows in a pasture. The sides and rim of the bowl, as well as the neck of the pitcher, are decorated with a wide border consisting of scrolls and acanthus leaves against a dark blue background.
Pitcher (.a): The body was thrown on a wheel, while the neck was most likely molded and applied to the body. The handle was pulled and applied. After the transfer printing process underglaze cobalt blue was added by hand to the handle and area under the design near the foot of the pitcher. At the time of manufacture, some of the border on the inside of the neck smeared and blurred. There is a large area of loss on the foot of the pitcher underneath the handle. Crazing can be found on all surfaces of the pitcher.
Washbowl (.b): The washbowl was most likely formed by a mechanical molding process called jiggering. Crazing covers most surfaces, and several small chips can be found on the foot of the washbowl.
Pitcher (.a): The body was thrown on a wheel, while the neck was most likely molded and applied to the body. The handle was pulled and applied. After the transfer printing process underglaze cobalt blue was added by hand to the handle and area under the design near the foot of the pitcher. At the time of manufacture, some of the border on the inside of the neck smeared and blurred. There is a large area of loss on the foot of the pitcher underneath the handle. Crazing can be found on all surfaces of the pitcher.
Washbowl (.b): The washbowl was most likely formed by a mechanical molding process called jiggering. Crazing covers most surfaces, and several small chips can be found on the foot of the washbowl.
Object number1917.9.0a-b
MarkingsThere is one mark on the bottom of the washbowl, an impressed mark of the letter "B" with serifs.NotesHistorical Note: Prudence Crandall (1803-1889) ran a school for African American girls out of her home in Canterbury, Connecticut, between 1831-1834.Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
