A Pair of Important Red Earthenware Marriage Jars Currently on Display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

I was first introduced to this remarkable pair of red earthenware marriage jars, made for George and Debby Purinton in Somerset, Massachusetts in the early-nineteenth century by Falmouth, Massachusetts antiques dealers, Hilary and Paulette Nolan, as well as Sheffield, Massachusetts antiques dealer, Sam Herrup. On a few occasions, I have written about these objects on this website, but I also recently cited the jars in a feature story I wrote about the eighteenth and nineteenth century pottery industry in southeastern Massachusetts for the June 2018 issue of Maine Antique Digest.

However, I only knew about the existence of these jars based on an advertisement placed by antiques dealers, John Bihler and Henry Coger in the January 1974 edition of the Magazine Antiques. Although, I knew the jars have been in private ownership since the 1970s, but I was not aware they had been recently gifted to a prominent museum in New York City.

I learned earlier this week that they had been acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art thanks to Port Jefferson, New York collector, Anthony Butera who frequently visits the museum. Apparently, the jars have been in Manhattan for a few years now, but they were just recently added to an exhibit for public viewing in Gallery 704, located in the museum's Americana Wing.

According to the MET, "In the 1970s, Robert A. Ellison Jr. began collecting the works of the most celebrated European artist-potters favoring large-scale works with stunning glazes. The Museum recently acquired 76 works from the Ellison Collection that represent some of the best examples of Art Pottery produced in Europe between 1880 and 1930.

Bob Ellison also made a spectacular promised gift of more than 300 American ceramics to the Museum in 2009 (which include these marriage jars that finally made their way to the museum in 2015)."

Aside from the history, these jars demonstrate a miraculous amount of skill, especially the style of slip-decoration, which is hardly found with red earthenware production in New England before or after the American Revolution. But the handles are also fascinating since this form of jar is typically found without handles today.

I will try my best to obtain more pictures of these jars next time I visit New York City, but for now, these photographs are thanks to Anthony Butera.

Note: Here is a link to a New York Times article from 2009, which further analyzes Robert A. Ellison Jr.'s Collection; whereas, Antiques and the Arts Weekly has also published some stories about Ellison in recent years.

SE Mass. Marriage Jars Currently on Display at the MET in NYC

Early-19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Marriage Jars from Southeastern Mass.

Made for George and Debby Purinton

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Anthony Butera and Metropolitan Museum of Art

Information Exhibited with the Marriage Jars

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Photo Courtesy: Anthony Butera and Metropolitan Museum of Art

Advertisement from the Janaury 1974 Edition of the Magazine Antiques

Marriage Jars Advertised in the January 1974 Edition of the Magazine Antiques

The Jars were Advertised by Antiques Dealers, John Bihler and Henry Coger

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Magazine Antiques

Another View of the Jars

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Photo Courtesy: Magazine Antiques

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

Published Feature Story in the June 22, 2018 Edition of Antiques & Auction News

For those who have not seen it and would like to read it -- here is a link to the online version of a feature story that I just wrote for the June 22, 2018 edition of 'Antiques and Auction News' - the story analyzes an eighteenth century red earthenware kiln discovered by archaeologists about ten years ago in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Much of the production also appears Moravian in style.

Here are also links to PDFs of the print version:

Page 1
Page 2

Sherd Recovered in Lancaster, PA

18th Century Moravian-Style Red Earthenware Sherd Recovered in Lancaster, PA

This Kiln Site was Discovered by Archaeologists About 10 Years Ago

See Links Above for More Information

Photo Courtesy: AECOM Archaeology

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

A Scottish Earthenware Jug that Retains an Old Label from Salem, Massachusetts

Yesterday, I posted an article about a circa 1775-1810 English "China glaze" pearlware coffee pot, which I discovered last weekend with my niece, Alexis inside a small shop near the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. I had written that similar decorated examples were recovered by archaeologists in the twentieth century from a privy at the Narbonne House in Salem, Massachusetts.

The fact that this type of decoration was apparently available in Salem during this period is fascinating considering the huge China Trade market that Salem is known for today - and, essentially, the English production was copying the Chinese wares that were shipped throughout Europe and America. But it appears there was a demand for both brands, which may have catered to different income levels and households in Salem in the eighteenth and early-nineteenth century.

However, another brand of European household pottery that seems to have been available in Salem in the early-nineteenth century is yellow transfer printed brown earthenware manufactured in Scotland, also known as "Portobello ware" from Portobello, Scotland. This type of production is somewhat rare to find today, and characterized by a number of patterns that include Chinese and Roman scenes.

This particular jug was found a few years ago, while I picked my way through the antique fields in Brimfield, Massachusetts. The dealer told me that he had recently acquired it from a small auction in Pennsylvania just before he traveled north to setup at Brimfield. Although the jug itself is not the reason I purchased this object; instead, my interest was a result of an old nineteenth century merchant label adhered to the base.

The label reads "Richard Hardy, / Dealer in / New and Second-Hand / FURNITURE / Horse-Furnishing Goods, / etc., etc. / SALEM, MASS. / Cost / Price."

Richard Hardy seems to have been a nineteenth century merchant in Salem - in fact, he's listed in the 1879 Salem City Directly as a furniture dealer at 4 Lafayette Street with a house nearby in Beverly, Massachusetts. He's also listed in the 1877 City Directly as a cabinet maker at 10 Front Street.

Interestingly, Historic New England owns a nineteenth century trade card that reads, "RICHARD HARDY / Dealer in / New and Second Hand Furniture / Bedding, etc. Antique Furniture Bought and Sold. / Repairing in all its branches done neatly and with despatch / Upholstering of all kinds done to order. / No. 4 LAFAYETTE STREET / SALEM, MASS."

Scottish Transfer Printed Earthenware Jug

Early-19th Century Scottish Transfer Print Decorated Earthenware Jug

Decorated with a Chinoiserie Scene
This Would Have Been a Brand of Decoration Popular in the Salem, Mass.

Circa 1810

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jug

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Another View of the Jug

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The Jug Retains an Old Label

"Richard Hardy, / Dealer in / New and Second-Hand / FURNITURE / Horse-Furnishing Goods, / etc., etc. / SALEM, MASS. / Cost / Price."

See Article for More Information

Trade Card from Richard Hardy in Salem, Mass.

19th Century Trade Card from Richard Hardy in Salem, Mass.

Probably Circa 1870s

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Historic New England

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

China Glaze Pearlware Coffee Pot Recently Found in New Hampshire

Yesterday, I posted an article about a nineteenth century red earthenware handled pot that was likely made in the Lake Winnipesaukee Region in New Hampshire, possibly before 1839, which I viewed last weekend at the Meredith, New Hampshire Historical Society. But after I left the historical society with my niece, Alexis, we decided to stop at a small shop near the White Mountain National Forest.

Inside the shop, we found a circa 1775-1810 China glaze pearlware coffee pot, likely made in Staffordshire, England. The shop keeper told us that it was his and he had recently found it at an estate sale in old house near Lake Winnipesauki.

The pot's design is great and also the reason we purchased it; this object was produced in imitation of the popular Chinese porcelain that was shipped to Europe and America during the same period. The decoration is really well executed, including a pagoda and a fence, which adorn both sides of the coffee pot. Unfortunately, the lid was either lost or broken, but that shouldn't defer anyone from seeing the beauty in this object.

This brand of China glaze production has been recovered from various archaeological contexts all over America's eastern seaboard, with locations throughout coastal New England, such as Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Boston and even Salem, Massachusetts. The fact that this type of production was apparently imported into Salem is fascinating knowing the huge China Trade market that Salem is known for from the eighteenth and early-nineteenth century.

For instance, archaeological evidence from the Narbonne House in Salem suggests that this type of production from both China and England was available in Salem in the late-eighteenth century. The two brands may have catered to different income levels and households, but it also seems to prove the popularity of this type of production in America for at least a thirty-or-so year period.

Note: For more information about China glazes and pearlware, I suggest these past feature stories from Ceramics in America:

1) 'How Creamware Got the Blues: The Origins of China Glaze and Pearlware'

2) 'Digging Up Salem's Golden Age: Ceramic Use Among the Merchant Class'

China Glaze Pearlware Coffee Pot Found in New Hampshire

China Glaze Pearlware Coffee Pot Likely Made in Staffordshire, England

Recently Found in a Shop Near the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire

Reportedly Discovered in an Old Home Near Lake Winnipesaukee
The Original Lid was Either Lost or Broken

Circa 1775-1810

See Article for More Information

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

19th Century Tree Trunk Formed Planter from the Portland Stoneware Company in Maine

I have previously written about various nineteenth century garden objects made at the Portland Stoneware Company in Portland, Maine. For instance, in February 2016, I posted an article about a circa 1880 garden urn that workers removed from a cemetery in Portland, which now resides on the property of an estate in Gorham, Maine.

But the company also manufactured large tree trunk formed planters that were typically intended for outdoor use. Similar objects were also made at the Bangor Stoneware Company in Bangor, Maine. However, this type of production appears rather rare today.

I was actually surprised to see a tree trunk planter marked by the Portland Stoneware Company last weekend, while I walked around Todd's Farm Flea Market in Rowley, Massachusetts. I don't believe I have ever seen this type of production from this company before - in fact, neither the Maine State Museum in Augusta, Maine or the Maine Historical Society in Portland own examples of this type of production in their collections.

Nevertheless, the planter was priced fairly, but it's a huge object that really needs a lot of room. This picture demonstrates the size of the planter as it sat in the back of an antique dealer's van at the flea market.

I also want to note that these stoneware forms were also made at the Norton Pottery in Worcester, Massachusetts, as well as some potteries in the Midwest. But this style of production from Portland is arguably just as skilled as most other American potteries. These forms were also manufactured in Europe and Canada in the 1800s.

Portland, ME Stoneware Company Tree Trunk Planter

19th Century Tree Trunk Planter

Marked "Portland Stoneware Company"

Circa 1880

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Maine Antiques Dealer

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

19th Century Red Earthenware Pot Owned by the Meredith, New Hampshire Historical Society

Last weekend, while visiting the Lakes Region and the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, I stopped at the Meredith, New Hampshire Historical Society, in order to see a piece of red earthenware in the museum's collection. The handled pot is not attributed to a specific pottery, but it is thought to have been locally made; although, it may have been made by Joshua W. Burpee (d. 1839) who operated a red earthenware pottery in Meredith during the circa 1800-1839 period.

The pot was gifted to the historical society on November 3, 1953 by William Neal, who lived in Meredith and the pot had reportedly descended in his family. The pot also retains an old wooden lid, which is believed to have been made as a replacement lid for when the original red earthenware lid was likely lost or broken.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), "There are vague accounts of several potteries in the region around Lake Winnipesaukee. At Gilford, once a part of Gilmanton, Nathaniel Goodhue was running a shop about 1830. Duane Hamilton Hurd's 'History of Belknap County' says that he carried on the business for many years and that he got his clay from The Weirs. Goodhue advertised it for sale in the New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazetteer, March 1, 1833, describing it as a "large pottery for making earthenware and a good kiln on same." He was apparently succeeded by Charles Stark, who four years later "contemplating a removal from Gilford," offered for sale a "shop, kiln, and apparatus for the manufacture of brown ware."

Cornelius Weygandt, in the White Hills has noted a potter named Bennett in Moultonborough and the existence of a pottery in New Durham, near Alton. In November Rowen, the same author describes a quart mug tooled with lines marked "old Cider" that he found in Meredith. He notes its resemblance to pieces from the Gill Pottery. The mug could, however, have been made in Meredith.

During the excavation of a cellar under the house of H.B. Twombley on Plymouth Street in Meredith, setting tiles and other examples of kiln furniture were unearthed. For several years Mr. Twombley did not know the significance of these curious baked clay objects and he was greatly surprised to learn that his house stood directly over a potter's dump. The circumstance was explained by the fact that the house had been moved from another site to its present location. A perusal of Meredith history reveals that Joshua W. Burpee, eldest son of Jeremiah (1781-1862) from Boscowan, New Hampshire, lived in Meredith for about nine years preceding his death in 1839. It is more than likely he was responsible for the waste pile.

Another craftsman of the 1830s, Jeremiah Bean, worked in Bristol. He was a native of the town and was twenty-seven years old when he started his potworks on Hemlock Brook. The business was short-lived, as Bean soon removed to Boston, dying there in 1834."

Red Earthenware Pot Owned by the Meredith, NH Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Handled Pot

Retains a Long History of Ownership in Meredith, NH

Likely Made in the Lake Winnepesaukee Region in New Hampshire

Possibly Made by Joshua W. Burpee in Meredith, NH

Burpee Operated a Pottery in Meredith Circa 1800-1839

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Meredith, NH Historical Society

Another view of the Pot

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Photo Courtesy: Meredith, NH Historical Society

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Meredith, NH Historical Society

View of the Old Wooden Lid

The Lid was Likely Made for the Pot After the Original Pottery Lid was Lost or Broken

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Meredith, NH Historical Society

View of the Museum's Tag

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Meredith, NH Historical Society

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

Green-Glazed Red Earthenware Sherd Recently Recovered from a Privy in Manhattan

It was published in a feature story I wrote for the June 2018 edition of Maine Antique Digest, entitled, "The Pottery Industry in Southeastern Massachusetts:" "The potters were not the only persons responsible for peddling the wares from this industry (southeastern Massachusetts). Winterthur's library contains a 1757-66 account book kept by Preserved Peirce (1736-1798), a merchant from Swansea, Massachusetts, who traded along the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut. He sold wooden and pewter goods, pottery, and tools for craftsmen and potters. The account book reveals that he purchased red earthenware from potters John Law, Caleb Purinton, and Isaac Upton...Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins also cited a post-American Revolution account book from Peirce when she published 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' in 1950. Watkins wrote that Preserved Peirce "owned a sloop called Rosemary, in which he sailed up and down Mt. Hope Bay and along the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut selling wooden ware, pewter, pottery, and such articles as tea kettles, hats and shoe buckles, or bartering his stock for flour or flax, lead and manganese for the potters, or brass and copper for the metal workers."

The account book verifies that Peirce was still in business with the Purinton family, as he was before the American Revolution, and he was also in business with the Shove family. An entry from 1786 reveals that the red earthenware forms Peirce had in his possession included milk pans, platters, plates, basins, pots, bread pans, chamber pots, jugs, pitchers, mugs, bowls, porringers, and churns."

This green-glazed red earthenware sherd certainly resembles eighteenth and early-nineteenth century production from southeastern Massachusetts. Everything about it appears like the type of production known from this area - the clay, the rounded foot and the glaze.

The sherd was recently discovered by Adam Woodward from a privy in Manhattan, alongside possible examples of locally made stoneware, as well as variations of eighteenth century English slipware. The context appears like it could date from the colonial period, but that is not certain since the privy had been damaged by a backhoe as part of an active construction site.

Nevertheless, this could be an exciting discovery since I have not seen any evidence of wares shipped outside of New England from the potter's industry in southeastern Massachusetts. Although, there seems to be proof that Preserved Peirce (and maybe others?) did barter with this type of production along coastal Connecticut before and after the American Revolution

Green-Glazed Sherd Recovered in Manhattan

18th/19th Century Green-Glazed Red Earthenware Sherd Recovered in Manhattan

Found in a Privy with Some Imported Colonial Artifacts

Possibly Manufactured at the Industry in Southeastern Mass.

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Adam Woodward

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

Examples of Western New York Red Earthenware Owned by the Genesee Country Village and Museum

While there are many locations in America where red earthenware was manufactured in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, I have always felt the wares manufactured in Western New York deserve a lot more attention today. The wares from this region were just as skilled as any other, the glazes were often colorful and there was even the use of slip-decoration.

According to an article written by Jeffrey Bagel for 'Western New York Heritage Magazine,' "Red earthenware is a form of earthenware, and takes its name from the reddish clays used in its creation. Red earthenware clays were very prevalent in Western New York and were frequently dug by potters. 

Some of the earliest documented red earthenware potteries in Western New York were located in West Bloomfield, Ontario County. Census and newspaper records show pottery operations as early as 1810. 

In 1818, Nathaniel Rochester, one of three Maryland purchasers of the Hundred Acre Tract - today's City of Rochester, offered his West Bloomfield farm for rent as well as "a POTTERY and DWELLING HOUSE and LOT, adjoining said farm." Although not a potter himself, Rochester most likely purchased this property as an investment and rented it to potters to produce wares. Archaeological exactions on the site revealed fragments of red earthenware plates with a coggled edge and unusual swirled brown and white glazes."

The following jar is an example of some of the slip-decorated household objects manufactured at Nathaniel Rochester's pottery; Peter Wisbey, curator of collections at the Genesee Country Village and Museum says, "the attribution is based on fragments excavated at the pottery site in 1973 by George Hamell and the Rochester Museum and Science Center."

From my experience, any type of red earthenware adorned in slip at the Rochester Pottery is desired today among collectors and museums, especially jars and pitchers. The slip-decorated plate sherds that Bagel cites are believed to be the the only evidence of any such production today - and to my knowledge, there are no known surviving intact plates. Although, Robesonia, Pennsylvania potter, Lester Breininger did reproduced plates and platters from the sherds for the museum in the 1970s.

The Genesee Country Village and Museum also owns ten examples of red earthenware from the nearby Morganville Pottery in Genesee County, including two jars marked by Charles Gleason that are posted below. Peter Wisbey says, "The Morganville collection at the museum spans everything from tablewares to flowerpots that were produced in the latter years of the business. The museum's working pottery is even based on the footprint and plan for the Morganville site."

Many of the museum's examples of red earthenware are currently on display inside the Town Hall building; the exhibit is entitled, "Earthen Beauty."

I should also note that the Genesee Country Village and Museum owns over 180 pieces of stoneware, mostly from the Rochester and upstate New York region, including 34 pieces the museum just acquired from a private collector in 2016.

Examples of Western New York Red Earthenware

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Jar

Attributed to Nathaniel Rochester's Pottery in Rochester, NY

Circa 1820

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Genesee Country Village and Museum

19th Century Red Earthenware Jars Made at the Pottery in Morganville, NY

Both Jars are Marked "Charles Gleason"

Likely Circa 1840s or 1850s

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Genesee Country Village and Museum

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

A Masterpiece of Thomas Commeraw's Stoneware Production at Corlears Hook in Lower Manhattan

Yesterday, I mentioned the fact that a circa 1793-1812 stoneware jar made by Thomas Commeraw in Manhattan (marked "Commeraw's / Stoneware") from the John Paul Remensnyder Collection at the Smithsonian Institution was featured in a story published in the 2014 edition of Ceramics in America. The article was written by Smithsonian curator, Bonnie Lilienfeld Campbell, and titled, 'My Ten Favorite Objects from the National Museum of American History.'

Commeraw's work has been a subject of interest for many years, but this skilled craftsman was really thrust into the national spotlight in the twentieth century largely in thanks to Brandt Zipp from Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland, who identified Commeraw as a free African-American potter employed in Manhattan during the circa 1796-1819 period. Commeraw was previously thought to have been a potter of French descent, which would not have been uncommon seeing the influence found with French immigrant red earthenware potters in the eighteenth and early-nineteenth century, employed in places like Philadelphia and Essex County, Massachusetts.

This phenomenal stoneware jug should be considered a masterpiece of Commeraw's work; it is currently available at Antiques Associates at West Townsend in Massachusetts. The jug is marked "Commeraws Stoneware / N. York / Corlears / Hook."

According to David Hillier at West Townsend, "Thomas Commeraw was one of the earliest African-American master craftsmen to operate his own business in the United States. He established his pottery in the Corlears Hook neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in 1797, successfully competing with well-known established stoneware makers, including the Crolius and Remmey dynasties.

This piece was made early in the production of Commeraw's stamp-decorated wares, and was likely intended to advertise the quality of his masterfully-competent work; the vocabulary or ornamentation displayed indicates that the potter's ability and understanding of the craft rivaled that of his contemporaries.

Recognition of Commeraw's work continues today; most recently, in February 2016, pieces of his pottery were on display at the White House in conjunction with the opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The Chipstone Foundation is also currently presenting an exhibit at the Constance and Dudley Godfrey American Art Wing at the Milwaukee Art Museum, entitled 'The Dave Project: Exploring African-American Material Culture,' in which Edgefield, South Carolina slave potter, Dave Drake, and several other African-American artisans are represented, including examples from Thomas Commeraw's production in New York City."

A Masterpiece from Thomas Commeraw

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Stoneware Jug

Made by Thomas Commeraw at Corlears Hook in Lower Manhattan

Circa 1796-1819

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Antique Associates at West Townsend

Another View of the Advertising and Incised Decoration

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Antique Associates at West Townsend

The Jug is Inscribed "Commeraws Stoneware / N. York / Corlears / Hook"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Antique Associates at West Townsend

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Antique Associates at West Townsend

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

The Important John Paul Remensnyder Collection of American Stoneware at the Smithsonian

There are many great examples of eighteenth and nineteenth century American stoneware in existence today, owned by both private collectors and museums; however, I have been very fortunate to see some of the better museum objects, such as Adam Weitsman's collection at the New York State Museum, the collection in the Albany Museum of Art, the Elie Nadelman Collection at the New York Historical Society, the collection at the Brooklyn Museum, the collection at the Bennington Museum, as well as the objects owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

But the John Paul Remensnyder (1898-1981) Collection at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. is also an important collection of stoneware, which rivals any other important museum collection. It is also a collection that may not be recognized today as much as it should be, when compared to the appreciation that it once received, especially when it was on display at the Smithsonian in the 1970s.

Mr. Remensyder was an important twentieth-century New York collector, who pursued the best in American stoneware during the same period when some of the early-to-mid-twentieth century books and magazine articles were published on domestic utilitarian pottery. He was also collecting at the same time as was Henry Francis Dupont at Winterthur, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), among many other notable collectors.

According to an obituary published in the New York Times in 1981, "Mr. Remensnyder was born in the Bronx, and he went to work at Heyden Chemical in 1920. He was named a director and vice president in 1944, president in 1950 and chairman of the board in 1952. But his avocation of collecting antique stoneware and metalware also brought him fame. His acquisitions have been shown and then donated to museums throughout the northeast. 

Among the principal showings was his 150-piece stoneware collection at the Smithsonian Institution in 1978 and 1979, representing the product of a hobby that began more than a half century ago."

A circa 1793-1812 stoneware jar, made by Thomas Commeraw in Manhattan was recently published from the Remensnyder Collection in a feature story for the 2014 edition of Ceramics in America. The article was written by Bonnie Lilienfeld Campbell, who is the curator of the ceramics department for National Museum of American History; the article was titled, "My Ten Favorite Objects from the National Museum of American History."

For all the stoneware that Mr. Remensnyder collected, these are probably my favorite two pieces from the collection; although, there are many great pieces to choose from. It's really a well-represented collection that demonstrates some of the best American stoneware potters (and aesthetics) from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Two of My Favorite Objects from the J.P. Remensnyder Collection at the Smithsonian

 19th Century Incised Stoneware Water Cooler, New York

J.P. Remensnyder Collection at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

18th/19th Century Incised Stoneware Pitcher, Manhattan, NY

J.P. Remensnyder Collection at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

19th Century Stoneware Beer Mug Made for Use at the Atlantic Garden in New York City

According to the book 'Music in German Immigrant Theater: New York City, 1840-1940,' "The Atlantic Garden was a beer garden and music hall established by William Kramer in mid-Manhattan in 1858 at what is now 50 Bowery in New York City. It could accommodate 1,000-2,000 people or more, and was noted for the wide range of musical, theatrical, dance, social, and political events held there. The Atlantic Garden was also said to be located on the site of the famous Bull's Head Tavern, where George Washington briefly had his headquarters in November 1783 at the conclusion of the American Revolution."

Earlier this week, I wrote about the circa 1800-1805 'Evacuation Day Jug' reportedly made by John Crolius, Jr. in Manhattan, which I viewed last weekend at the Museum of the City of New York. "Evacuation Day (November 25, 1783), when the British finally sailed away, was celebrated by generations of New Yorkers as the dawning of a new era of independence and renewed prosperity. The jug was probably made by John Crolius, Jr., a soldier and potter who returned to New York on the day the occupying forces left. The jug depicts a key moment: the attempt by departing English soldiers to grease a flagpole so that patriots could not tear down the British flag. One figure says, "Damn the rebels, I will give them some trouble," while the other says, "Slush (grease) it well, Johnny.""

Nevertheless, I also viewed a nineteenth century stoneware mug at the Museum of the City of New York  that was reportedly made for use at the Atlantic Garden. The museum describes this object as "a circa 1858 stoneware mug made for use at the Atlantic Garden, incised 'Atlantic Garden / 50 Bowery. A few blocks from Five Points (19th century neighborhood in Lower Manhattan), the Atlantic Garden catered to German immigrants in the 1850s." The museum also attributes the mug as American-made, and possibly manufactured in New York City.

Atlantic Garden in New York City

The Atlantic Garden - Mid-Manhattan, New York City

Circa 1872

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York Public Library

The Atlantic Garden - Mid-Manhattan, New York City

Circa 1890

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York Public Library

Stoneware Mug from Atlantic Garden

19th Century Stoneware Mug

Marked 'Atlantic Garden / 50 Bowery'

Reportedly American-Made, Possibly Made in New York City

Circa 1858

Stands 5" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Museum Description of the Stoneware Mug

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Please Stay Tuned..Much More to Come...

A Small Group of Stoneware Artifacts Recovered from Various Archaeological Contexts in New York City

The New York City Archaeological Repository houses thousands of artifacts related to red earthenware and stoneware recovered from various seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century contexts within the city. Many of the artifacts were found in Manhattan, such as the nineteenth century black-glazed red earthenware teapot and the seventeenth century Dutch-style red earthenware jug that I wrote about earlier this week.

While many of the artifacts represent wares that were imported into the city, like red earthenware from Long Island and Philadelphia, as well as stoneware from England and Germany - there is also a strong concentration of artifacts that represent local production. For instance, in the past twenty-years, archaeologists have recovered a variety of kiln furniture and kiln waste in Manhattan. To my knowledge, most of these artifacts have not been identified to a specific pottery; although, some of the examples that I have seen are attributed to either the Crolius or Remmey families.

The following group of objects are just a sample of the type of stoneware artifacts kept at the New York City Archaeological Repository; most also date from the eighteenth century. I know this is a subject that has been published, but I tried to post some artifacts that may be of interest. I have also posted the archaeological information in the caption below each picture.

Stoneware Artifacts Recovered in New York City

18th Century Incised Stoneware Sherd

Recovered from the South Ferry Terminal Site in Manhattan

The Archaeology was Completed as Part of a Subway Project in Battery Park

Found Within a Circa 1720-1830 Archaeological Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th Century Incised Stoneware Sherd

Recovered from the South Ferry Terminal Site in Manhattan

The Archaeology was Completed as Part of a Subway Project in Battery Park

Found Within a Circa 1620-1775 Archaeological Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th Century Incised Stoneware Sherd

Recovered from the Stadt Huys Block Site in Manhattan

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th Century Stoneware Sherd with Stamped Incised Decoration

Recovered from the South Ferry Terminal Site in Manhattan

The Archaeology was Completed as Part of a Subway Project in Battery Park

Found Within a Circa 1780-1850 Archaeological Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th/19th Century Stoneware Chamber Pot Waster

Recovered from City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th Century Stoneware Sherd

Recovered from the South Ferry Terminal Site in Manhattan

The Archaeology was Completed as Part of a Subway Project in Battery Park

Found Within a Circa 1720-1775 Archaeological Context

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th/19th Century Stoneware Jug Remains

Recovered from Seven Hanover Square Block Site in Manhattan

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

18th/19th Century Stoneware Jug Remains

Recovered from Seven Hanover Square Block Site in Manhattan

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

A Potential Example of Locally Made 17th Century Red Earthenware Recovered from the Site of the Lovelace Tavern in New York City

According to the New York City Archaeological Repository, "The Stadt Huys Block was the location of New York City's first hall, Stadt Huys (71 Pearl Street), dating from the Dutch Colonial period. While excavations did not reveal any evidence of the Stadt Huys building, researchers did discover the remains of the Lovelace Tavern. Sir Francis Lovelace (ca. 1621-1675), New York City's second English governor, built the tavern in 1670 and it served as an interim town hall after the Stadt Huys fell out of use. The finds from this site make up one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in New York City."

The variety of red earthenware recovered at the site of Stadt Huys Block in Manhattan within eighteenth and nineteenth century archaeological contexts is rather interesting seeing that it appears like a conglomerate of domestic wares. For example, there is a wide variety of slip-decoration represented, which appears like production from places such as Long Island, Philadelphia, as well as other locations.

However, the seventeenth century context for Sir Francis Lovelace's tavern is important for multiple reasons, which include examples of the city's seventeenth century red earthenware production from immigrant Dutch potters.

The following jug has been identified by archaeologists as a potential example of seventeenth century red earthenware production from New York City. It was recovered from within a barrel at the site of the tavern. It's remarkable to see this type of production today.

17th Century Red Earthenware Jug Recovered in New York City

17th Century Dutch-Style Red Earthenware Jug Likely Made in New York City

Excavated from within a Barrel at the Site of the Lovelace Tavern

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

Another View of the Jug

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

A Possible Whately, Massachusetts Red Earthenware Teapot Recovered in New York City

Thomas Crafts (1781-1861) owned and operated a pottery in Whately, Massachusetts in the nineteenth century that produced both red earthenware and stoneware. Although, he might be best known today for the black-glazed teapots that his pottery produced during the circa 1821-1833 period.

It has been published that Crafts manufactured as many as 2,067 dozen teapots annually, and they were sold at a wholesale price of $1.00 per dozen. There are even reports that suggest some of the teapots from the Crafts Pottery were exported to New York City.

The Crafts Pottery teapots have also been recovered from various archaeological contexts - for instance, Anthony Butera wrote about a teapot that had been discovered in a hearth of the circa 1820 Cowan stone house in Delaware County, New York for the 2011 issue of Ceramics in America. But I have also studied examples that appear to have originated in Whately uncovered in Salem, Massachusetts, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Berwick, Maine and Yarmouth, Maine.

However, I recently learned about another teapot that appears like production from the Crafts Pottery that was recovered by archaeologists in 1979-80 within a nineteenth century context at Stadt Huys Block in New York City. According to the New York City Archaeological Repository, "The block was the location of New York City's first hall, Stadt Huys (71 Pearl Street), dating from the Dutch Colonial period. While excavations did not reveal any evidence of the Stadt Huys building, researchers did discover the remains of the Lovelace Tavern. Sir Francis Lovelace (ca. 1621-1675), New York City's second English governor, built the tavern in 1670 and it served as an interim town hall after the Stadt Huys fell out of use. The finds from this site make up one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in New York City."

Black-Glazed Teapot Recovered in New York City

19th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Teapot

Possibly Made at the Thomas Crafts Pottery in Whately, Mass.

Possibly Circa 1821-1833

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Photo Courtesy: New York City Archaeological Repository

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

The "Evacuation Day Jug" Owned by the Museum of the City of New York

Last week, I wrote about an incredibly important stoneware temperance snake jug made at the Cornwall Kirkpatrick (1819-1890) and Wallace Kirkpatrick (1828-1896) Pottery (active 1859-1896) in Anna, Illinois, which is currently on display at the New York Historical Society in Manhattan. The jug was made as a presentation piece for Thomas Nast (1840-1902) about 1871 in recognition of his efforts in exposing William Magear "Boss" Tweed (1823-1878), a corrupt senator in New York City who embezzled the city out of tens-of-millions of dollars. Nast published political caricatures of Tweed and his cronies in Harper's Weekly (1857-1916), which eventually helped expose the corruption that took place at Tammany Hall, especially during the circa 1868-1871 period.

I also saw the story of Nast, Tweed and Tammany Hall on display over the weekend when I visited the Museum of the City of New York in Manhattan. In the middle of the exhibit is a circa 1869 photograph of Tweed.

But the museum also exhibits a wonderful display of artifacts that tell the story of the city - "New York at its Core: 400 Years of New York City History." There are other galleries, as well, such as an incredible presentation of New York City silver and a temporary exhibit devoted to Stanley Kubrick's (1828-1999) photography titled, "Through a Different Lens," which is on display until October 28, 2018.

However, while I did not view any of the artifacts, I also know the museum owns some archaeology related to seventeenth century red earthenware production in the city from Dutch immigrant potters. The archaeology was recovered in the 1970s.

There is also a great collection of eighteenth and nineteenth century locally-made stoneware from potters like Commeraw, Crolius and Remmey; whereas, the highlight of this collection is an object appropriately named the "Evacuation Day Jug," probably made by John Crolius, Jr. during the circa 1800-1805 period. The front of the jug is decorated with an inscribed fort, a flagpole, a partially raised British flag, as well as a man on the pole with a bucket.

According to the Museum of the City of New York, "Evacuation Day (November 25, 1783), when the British finally sailed away, was celebrated by generations of New Yorkers as the dawning of a new era of independence and renewed prosperity. This jug was probably made by John Crolius, Jr., a soldier and potter who returned to New York on the day the occupying forces left. The jug depicts a key moment: the attempt by departing English soldiers to grease a flagpole so that patriots could not tear down the British flag. One figure says, "Damn the rebels, I will give them some trouble," while the other says, "Slush (grease) it well, Johnny.""

The "Evacuation Day Jug"

My Nephew, Jason Admiring the "Evacuation Day Jug"

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Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Early-19th Century Stoneware Jug Known as the "Evacuation Day Jug"

Probably Made by John Crolius, Jr. in Manhattan

Inscribed with a Fort, a Flagpole, a British Flag, as well as a Man on the Pole with a Bucket

One figure says, "Damn the rebels, I will give them some trouble," 
While the other says, "Slush (grease) it well, Johnny."

Circa 1800-1805

Stands 15" Tall

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Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Another View of the Jug

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Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Inscribed with a Fort, a Flagpole, a British Flag, as well as a Man on the Pole with a Bucket

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

One figure says, "Damn the rebels, I will give them some trouble," 
While the other says, "Slush (grease) it well, Johnny."

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

One figure says, "Damn the rebels, I will give them some trouble," 
While the other says, "Slush (grease) it well, Johnny."

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Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Information Currently on Display with the Jug

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Photo Courtesy: Museum of the City of New York

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

A Wonderful 17th/18th Century Marbled Red Earthenware Pot from North Italy Recently Discovered in Ontario

This is an object that I am quite excited to have just received from a friend in Ontario, which also happens to be where this sweet little red earthenware pot was discovered. In fact, the only other example I have ever handled was owned for decades by Sheffield, Massachusetts antiques dealer, Sam Herrup. Otherwise, this is a style of production that I am only familiar with today based on archaeological evidence.

I first encountered this type of marbled red earthenware production while in the process of studying the dozens of boxes that makeup the Charlestown, Massachusetts Archaeology Collection at the Boston Archaeology Department in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. The vast majority of the sherds had been recovered within a seventeenth century archaeological context. But I later learned about related sherds that had been recovered in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as artifacts discovered by archaeologists from Salem State University within a circa 1639-1676 archaeological context at the site of the Phips Plantation in Woolwich, Maine.

This type of production is attributed to potteries in North Italy today, which apparently was intermittently shipped to the American colonies in the seventeenth and possibly early-eighteenth century. I can only begin to imagine the history that this object must retain.

North Italian Pot Recently Found in Ontario

 My Niece Pictured with the Pot to Demonstrate the Size

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 17th/18th Century Marbled Red Earthenware Pot

Attributed to North Italy

Recently Discovered in Ontario

This Type of Production has Been Recovered in Various 17th Century Contexts in New England

Stands 4 3/8" Tall

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

See Sherds Below for Examples Recovered in Charlestown, Mass.

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 Another View of the Pot

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

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 Another View of the Pot

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

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 View of the Interior

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

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View of the Base

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

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North Italian Red Earthenware Recovered in Charlestown, Mass.

 17th Century Marbled North Italian Red Earthenware Sherd

Recovered by Archeologists in Charlestown, Mass.

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Department

  17th Century Marbled North Italian Red Earthenware Sherd

Recovered by Archeologists in Charlestown, Mass.

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Department

  17th Century Marbled North Italian Red Earthenware Sherds

Recovered by Archeologists in Charlestown, Mass.

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Department

  17th Century Marbled North Italian Red Earthenware Sherd

Recovered by Archeologists in Charlestown, Mass.

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Department

  17th Century Marbled North Italian Red Earthenware Sherd

Recovered by Archeologists in Charlestown, Mass.

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Department

(Left) 17th Century Marbled North Italian Red Earthenware Sherd

Recovered by Archeologists in Charlestown, Mass.

See Link in Article for Sherds Recovered in Woolwich, ME

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Department

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...