Images(4)

Butter boat

Dateca. 1775

Maker Lowestoft Porcelain Factory (1757-1802)

OriginEngland, Lowestoft

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsOH: 2 1/8"; OL: 3 7/8"; OW: 2 1/4".

Credit LineGift of Elise H. Wright

Object number2024-186

DescriptionButter boat: molded with acanthus leaves rising from the scalloped foot; ear-shaped handle with spur at thumb rest opposite integrated slightly flared spout; painted in pink, purple, red, and green with scrolling diaper reserves flanked by leaves around the rim and flower sprigs and small scrolls around the body.
Label TextSimilar in shape to miniature sauceboats and sometimes confused with cream jugs, butter boats are small spouted vessels used as part of the dinner service to hold melted butter served as an accompaniment to asparagus and other vegetables. Worcester made a number of these objects and other porcelain factories such as Lowestoft copied their examples.
ProvenanceFormerly in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Hofheimer II (the donor’s parents). Inherited by the donor from her parents. In June 2024, gifted to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).