Perhaps Connecting an Early New England Colander with a British Example

At New Hampshire Antiques Week, a friend acquired a fascinating eighteenth century British slip-decorated earthenware colander from Massachusetts dealers Eliot and Grace Snyder. The piece, featuring three feet and a dish-like form, is notably dated and inscribed with initials. This object immediately caught my attention because it slightly resembles a peculiar slip-decorated red earthenware colander held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Gifted to the museum in 1956 by Miss Elizabeth Tuck (1881-1968), that particular piece was reportedly made in eighteenth century Massachusetts, though its maker remains unknown. It is also the only eighteenth century colander that I have seen from New England.

This resemblance highlights a fascinating link between early American and British pottery. In the 1600s and 1700s, New England potters were deeply inspired by imported British slip decorated earthenware, often copying shapes and styles. Because decorated colanders with three feet were rare and perhaps made as special orders, seeing these two pieces together is highly unusual. The connection between them leaves a possible mystery: did the anonymous Massachusetts potter directly copy a British import, or did they simply share a common design history? Either way, the two objects likely show how British styles traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to shape some early Massachusetts red earthenware.

(Left) 18th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Colander 

Reportedly Made in Massachusetts

The Colander was Gifted to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in 1956

Measures 14" in Diameter

Photo Courtesy: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

(Right) 18th Century British Slip Decorated Earthenware Colander

The Colander Has Three Feet Attached to the Back

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Eliot and Grace Snyder

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