Storage Jar

Date1831-1841

Retailed by Hugh Charles Smith

Maker B. C. Milburn

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Alexandria

MediumStoneware, salt-glazed, gray with blue

DimensionsH: 9"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-369

DescriptionOvoid form storage jar with slightly everted rolled rim and ear-shape handles on either side of the pot near the top of the shoulder. Decorated in cobalt blue with the so-called Alexandria Motif, a floral and foliate motif.
Label TextHugh Charles Smith, son of china merchant and stoneware manufactory owner, Hugh Smith, took over his father's stake in his importing business in1824. Along with his cousin, Thomas Smith, Hugh Charles was a partner in Hugh Smith & Co importing from England glass, china, earthenware, and stoneware for wholesale and retail. A few years later, around 1830, Hugh Charles Smith also took over the supervision of his father's stoneware factory on Wilkes Street. After that time wares produced there were stamped with the name H. C. Smith. The stoneware produced by H. C. Smith's manufactory was made under the direction of free black potter, David Jarbour with the assistance of B. C. Milburn. In 1833, Hugh Charles Smith returned to the china-importing business full time and the Smith stake in the Wilkes Street pottery was sold to Milburn.
MarkingsStamped: H. C. SMITH / ALEXA. / D. C