EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: An Important 18th Century Red Earthenware Punch Bowl Owned by the Brooklyn Museum in New York City

Monday, September 25, 2017

An Important 18th Century Red Earthenware Punch Bowl Owned by the Brooklyn Museum in New York City

Last weekend, I visited the Brooklyn Museum in New York City with hopes that I may encounter an important example of American-made utilitarian pottery that I had never seen before. I was not let down, either when I found an absolutely remarkable large late-eighteenth century red earthenware punch bowl on display in the 'American Art Galleries' on the fifth floor. This bowl stands over seven-inches tall and measures more than sixteen-inches in diameter.

According to the Brooklyn Museum, "This bowl is rare for its extraordinary size and its political inscription. Celebrating the launching of a new ship, the inscription around the top reads, 'Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States - North (Hudson) River' with 'August 17, 1792-Albany Packet Two Brothers.'

However, the inscription at the bottom reads 'Freedom to the G.W.' This abolitionist sentiment reflects a late-eighteenth century plan to gradually emancipate all enslaved African people. 'G.W.' may refer to George Washington, who was sympathetic to this plan, although he remained a slave owner until he died in 1799. His will freed the enslaved people he owned in his household."

The packet that this bowl references was a medium-sized boat that was used to deliver mail between ports. I would not be surprised to learn that this bowl was made in Philadelphia; whereas, I have previously written about a late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century Philadelphia-made red earthenware dish, which archaeologists recovered in Albany, New York from eighteenth and nineteenth century landfill that is located next to the Hudson River today.

Note: Here is a link to this object listed on the Brooklyn Museum's website in New York City; however, the Brooklyn Museum also owns an incredible selection of American-made stoneware. For more information: I suggest visiting the museum or searching the museum's website.

Important 18th Century Bowl