Images(2)

Beaker

Dateca. 1780

OriginEngland

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed (creamware)

DimensionsH: 3 1/2" Diam. (at mouth): 3 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, C. Thomas Hamlin III Fund

Object number2014-217

DescriptionCream colored beaker with black transfer printed decoration. One side shows a seated man wearing a beaver skin cap, jacket and waistcoat, breeches, buckled shoes, and smoking a pipe, his proper left elbow resting on a hogshead, his left hand supporting his pipe. A handled punch bowl with ladle and a small handled cup sit on the hogshead. His right hand gestures at a small ship in the background. The opposite side of the beaker shows a scrolling flowered and foliate cartouche surrounding the poem "A Toper is Immortal / And never can decay, / For how should he return to Dust / Who daily wets his Clay?"
Label TextCeramic beakers are unusual survivals, particularly those made of cream colored earthenware. This form has been documented archaeologically in Federal America and advertised for sale in 18th and early 19th century newspapers. The transfer printed decoration illustrates customs in trade, fashion, and drinking during the period.
ProvenancePreviously in the collection of John Austin.