Images(10)

Teapot

Dateca. 1820

Maker Abraham Miller

Maker Thomas Haig

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (black glazed redware)

DimensionsOH: 4" with lid OL: 6 3/4" (handle to spout) OW: 3 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2022-56,a&b

DescriptionTeapot: redware teapot of globular ogee-shape with short foot and slightly flared gallery; beaded bands at the midpoint of the body and about one inch above the short foot; the lid with ingle vent hole decorated ensuite with beaded band encircling the tear-drop shaped knop; extruded ribbed ear-shaped handle applied opposite the molded S-shaped spout; seven-hold grate arranged in circular pattern with one hole surrounded by six holes; underside of foot with central impressed circle and offset circle within the foot ring. Decorated all over with slightly lustrous dark brown glaze.
Label TextPhiladelphia was a hub for American manufacturing in the early 19th century. In the midst of trade tariffs and bans on the importation of British goods surrounding the War of 1812, Philadelphia potters sought to fill the need for refined wares, often closely mimicking Staffordshire pottery products The Franklin Institute encouraged such endeavors by holding special exhibitions. Potters like the probable maker of this teapot, Thomas Haig, or Abraham Miller, entered their wares in the exhibitions in order to promote their goods. This teapot closely resembles silver and copper luster decorated teapots made in England in the early 19th century.

This teapot along with 2022-53, 2022-54, and 2022-55 are all from the collection of the late Susan H. Myers, Smithsonian curator, and author of the book "Handcraft to Industry: Philadelphia Ceramics in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century."
ProvenanceEx Coll: Susan H. Myers