Images(3)

Monteith

Date1704 (dated)

Artist/Maker Guilielmus William Flint

OriginEngland, Derbyshire, Critch

MediumSalt-glazed stoneware

DimensionsH: 8 1/8"; D(rim): 11 3/8"; D(base): 6 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-27

DescriptionLarge salt-glazed stoneware monteith covered in ferruginous wash in a typical Queen Ann silver shape with scalloped rim having 6 lobes of the type often removable on silver examples, the sides being vertical down about 2 1/2" where the remainder of the body is hemispherical. A shallow, circumferential band just below the scalloping; below are 2 molded bands about 1 3/8" apart, very similar to multiple reeding on contemporary pewter plates; between these bands is the scratched inscription and decoration, from left to right: 6-pointed star, "Gulielmus," pair of foliate sprays extending to left and right with the date "1704" over the crossing of the stems, "Flint De Crich," floral spray with leaves, tulip and petaled flower. Substantial ring foot with heavy bead molding around bottom; narrow band near top of rim turned at wheel before scalloping cut out; roulette (wheel) marks around moldings, particularly below lowest molding.
Label TextA lustrous brown punch bowl is a great rarity, being the only known English stoneware monteith. Incised with the name “Gulielmus Flint De Crich” and the date 1704 between floral sprays, it is a substantial 11 3/8 inches (27.9 cm) in diameter. The bowl takes a form most frequently found in silver of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Like its metal counterparts, the monteith could be used for serving the newly fashionable mixed beverage called punch. Alternatively, it might be filled with cool water to rinse the bowls of wine glasses hanging suspended by their feet in the notches of the rim. In addition to being a scarce form, this bowl is among the earliest of the dated stoneware produced by the potters of Crich, Derbyshire. Merchants’ advertisements as well as archaeological finds underscore the popularity in early America of a wide range of brown stonewares from such production centers as London, Nottingham, and Derbyshire. While stoneware
monteith punch bowls are certainly not documented in the colonies, scores of more typical forms are present, including both bellied and straight-sided mugs, jugs, loving cups, colanders, and teaware.
InscribedNo
MarkingsIncised on side: "Gulielmus 1704 Flint De Crich"
ProvenanceA. F. Allbrook, Old English Furniture, Pottery & Porcelain, London

Exhibition(s)