18th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pot and Bowl Recovered in New York City

As noted in a post also from today, local red earthenware production in Manhattan in New York City before and after the American Revolution occurred at potteries operated by Jonathan Durell and the Campbell family. But there may have been additional businesses, as well.

Both of the following objects were recovered from privies; the chamber pot was discovered by Manny Birittieri in the 1980s in an eighteenth century privy in Lower Manhattan and the slip-decorated bowl was found by Bill Asadorian broken in two halves in an eighteenth-and-nineteenth century privy in Manhattan.

Not a lot of information has been published about the red earthenware manufactured in New York City in the eighteenth century; although, these objects may represent that production. For instance, it is known today that some of New York City's red earthenware was influenced by what was produced in Philadelphia during the period, and the following bowl does exhibit that type of an appearance. 

The chamber pot could have also been manufactured in New York City since this is a form that would have been in demand. It is also a form that would have been regularly manufactured by Durell, the Campbells and any other local potters. The combination of the rim and handle are also unusual for what is known elsewhere; although, this style of rim is found on some red earthenware chamber pots manufactured in Philadelphia. As a result, it is likely a safe interpretation to say this chamber pot has a very good chance of being an example of local New York City production.

Red Earthenware Chamber Pot Recovered in Lower Manhattan

18th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pot
Recovered from an 18th Century Privy in Lower Manhattan in the 1980s
Very Possibly Locally Made in New York City
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Manny Birittieri

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered in Manhattan

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl
Recovered from an 18th/19th Century Privy in Manhattan

Possibly Locally Made in New York City

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Manny Birittieri

View of the Base
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Photo Courtesy: Manny Birittieri

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