Images(10)

Teapot

Dateca. 1815

Maker Abraham Miller

Maker Thomas Haig

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (black-glazed redware)

DimensionsOH: 7" with lid; OL: 9 5/8" handle to spout; OW: 5 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2022-54,a&b

DescriptionTeapot: molded redware teapot of bulbous rectangular shape with lobed or gadrooned body rising to reeded gallery in which a rectangular lobed lid with flower knop rests; the vent hole near the knop was punctured, but closed during firing; the handle of semicircle shape with one spur above the stepped top juncture is opposite an S-shaped spout; underside of the foot with three stilt marks; the teapot and lid covered overall with a dark-brown (almost black) slightly iridescent 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 2022-56 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