Images(12)

Jar

Date1835 - 1845

Maker Richard Butt's Pottery (ca. 1830 - 1845)

OriginAmerica, District of Columbia, Washington

MediumSalt-glazed stoneware

DimensionsOverall: 19 x 13 1/2in. (48.3 x 34.3cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2009.900.1

DescriptionSix-gallon salt-glazed stoneware ovoid storage jar with straight collar rim and lug handles. The jar is decorated with hand-painted floral designs in cobalt blue; two groups of flowers, one on each side of the pot.
Label TextSix-Gallon Storage Jar
Richard Butt's Pottery (ca. 1830-ca. 1845)
Washington, District of Columbia, 1835-1840
Salt-glazed Stoneware
2009.900.1

At various times, Richard Butt served as deputy sheriff, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police of the District of Columbia, and overseer of the city's "asylum for the paupers of the District." In addition, Richard Butt was a pottery owner. His first pottery was located in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he was born, and in 1834 he opened a stoneware pottery at the corner of Eighth and I Streets, NW in Washington, D. C. John Walker served as Butt's master potter and although Walker was trained and raised in England, the decorative schemes on his pots closely relate to those produced in Alexandria and Baltimore.

Markings"R. BUTT / W. City. D C." stamped twice on the shoulder, once on each side
ProvenanceRobert Hunter, Jr., Williamsburg, Virginia