Coffeepot

Dateca. 1820

MediumRefined red earthenware (lusterware)

DimensionsOH (including lid): 10" OW (from spout to handle): 10" OD (of body): 5 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Kim and Gordon Ivey

Object number2013-33,A&B

DescriptionCoffeepot: silver (platinum) lusterware coffeepot of ribbed urn- or vase-shaped body on a spreading pedestal foot. The stepped and sloping shoulder has a beaded border at the rim. The dome lid possesses a molded flower knop and the edge of the lid bears a beaded edge above the flange. The molded handle exhibits two junctures where insulators would appear on a metal example of this form. The s-shaped spout is smooth and terminates in a cut-out beak. The coffeepot is unmarked.
Label TextCompletely silver (platinum) lusterware objects are rare and ones in good condition are even scarcer. This coffeepot is a spectacular example of its type.

Luster decoration was used at least as early as the 11th century by Persian and Syrian potters on fritware and then incorporated into Italian ceramic technology in the 15th century. The technique was revived in the 18th century by German and French porcelain manufactories. This revival was probably tied to the discovery of platinum and its addition to the periodic table in 1735. The process took hold in England around 1805 when John Hancock perfected it during his tenure at Spode while working with decorators Daniel and Brown.

Silver luster objects of the 19th century closely copied silver and silver plate forms including coffeepots, teapots, and candlesticks. A mixture of platinum dissolved in acid and combined with spirits of tar was painted on the biscuit fired object. Then the object was reduction fired at a low temperature, resulting in the mirror-like appearance. Pooling of the platinum mixture on a red earthenware body revealed touches of the dark clay underneath that mimicked the look of Sheffield plate to the observer, especially at a distance. While the archaeological evidence for lustreware in America is slim, documentary evidence reveals that by 1808 American newspapers up and down the Eastern seaboard offered consumers lusterware tea and coffee "sets and pots separate."
ProvenancePurchased from Vilnis Antiques, Strasburg, Virginia. Vilnis Antiques acquired it from an estate sale in the western part of Virginia.