Images(11)

Five Gallon Storage Jar

Date1839-1843

Maker Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory

Maker Harry Drake

OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Edgefield District

MediumAlkaline-glazed stoneware

DimensionsOH: 15 13/16"; OW: 13 1/4".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase and C. Thomas Hamlin Fund III

Object number2022.900.4

DescriptionStorage Jar: elongated ovoid-shaped storage jar with slightly rolled rim; squared lug handles are applied at the high shoulder; just below the neck at the high shoulder, the jar bears five punctates for the capacity mark and a sideways “B” or shackle symbol, a mark used by enslaved Edgefield potter Harry.
Label TextWhile numerous stoneware objects over the past several decades have been attributed to enslaved potter David Drake, many of the other enslaved potters in the Edgefield District remain unknown or yet to be identified. This important stoneware storage vessel marked with a sideways “B” (perhaps representing shackles) documents the work of the Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory turner known as “Harry.” The elongated body (not made in sections) and squared lug handles on this storage jar are stylistic elements evident on other pots signed and/or marked by Harry.
MarkingsBelow the neck at the high shoulder, the jar bears five punctates for the capacity mark and a sideways “B” or shackle symbol, a mark used by enslaved Edgefield potter Harry.