Images(12)

Coffeepot

Dateca. 1775

OriginEngland, Staffordshire or Yorkshire

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, cream-colored (creamware)

DimensionsOH: 10 3/8"; OW: 7 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, through the generosity of F. G. and Kathy Summitt

Object number1993-108,A&B

DescriptionCreamware baluster form (pear shaped) coffeepot on stepped, in-curving, circular, foot; with modified c-shaped strap handle; reeded and molded s-shaped spout; and domed lid with mushroom shaped finial. The spout is enameled with green, yellow, and red; the handle with green. Body and lid are enameled over the glaze with over-all pattern of abstract amoeba-like shapes in blue, yellow, green, along with scattered yellow and green daisy-like flowers - all on a red ground. Within scrolled cartouches on either side of the body are the scriptural verses: "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27) and "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want" (Psalm 23). A cartouche under the handle is filled with a flower, and one under the spout has the inscription "Lowry/Js + My."

Label TextCoffeepot
Staffordshire or Yorkshire, England, ca. 1770
Lead-glazed cream colored earthenware (creamware)
Museum Purchase, through the generosity of F. G. and Kathy Summitt, 1993-108, A&B

The inclusion of biblical verses on this piece testifies to the integration of religion into everyday life during the eighteenth century. Exuberantly decorated and highly fashionable objects, they were also overt references to religion. The coffeepot is painted on one side with the verse “Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ” from Paul’s first letter to the Philippians. On the other side is a well-known expert from Psalm 23, “The lord is my shepherd I shall not want”. In the eighteenth century these excerpts would have been familiar to the public. Biblical verses were an integral part of life and well known to the average person.

The consumption of hot beverages such as tea and coffee were social events, which often included invited guests. In a small way, the incorporation of these verses onto objects of daily life would have ensured that guests of the families who used them would have been aware of the important role religion played in their lives. Additionally, the teapot is dated 1784, which was an important year in American religious history. In that year the first American Methodist Church was established. Additionally, Samuel Seabury, the first Episcopal Bishop was appointed. Seabury was ordained in Scotland and then served as bishop of New York and Connecticut.

MarkingsInscribed: "Let your/converstaion be/as becometh the/gospel of/Christ" on one side; on the other: "The /lord is my/Shepherd I shall/not want".
ProvenancePurchased from Lindsay Grigsby, Richmond, VA.