Squirrel Flask

Dateca. 1820

Possibly by Rudolph Christ

Possibly by John Holland

Maker Moravian Pottery

OriginAmerica, North Carolina, Salem

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed with green

DimensionsOH: 5 1/4" ; OW: 4 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2005.900.1

DescriptionPress-molded bottle in the form of a squirrel standing on its hind legs, with his tail up, and his paws holding a nut, which he is eating. The coarse earthenware body is covered with a white slip and then with a green (copper oxide) lead glaze. The main body of the squirrel was formed from one two-part mold. The base, spout, ears and arms were all added separately and were molded using additional molds.
Label TextSquirrel Bottle
Attributed to the shop of Rudolph Christ
Salem, North Carolina, ca. 1820
Lead-glazed earthenware
2005.900.1

Moravian potters began producing molded bottles in the shape of animals about 1800. This may have been in imitation of English Staffordshire wares, which gained popularity during the third quarter of the eighteenth century. Squirrels bottles are assembled from four separate molds and are among the best of the molded animals made in Salem during the nineteenth century.

Squirrel bottles probably served a variety of purposes. Some may have been used as flasks for spirits, while others may have held dry goods.

ProvenancePreviously owned by Luke Beckerdite's parents in North Carolina

Exhibition(s)

A Rich and Varied Culture