Description:
Chinese export porcelain cylindrical teapot with twisted double strap handle with foliate terminals, straight spout, and gilded berry finial on the cover. The pot is decorated on the sides in shades of brown and blue with an oval medallion with the Masonic symbols of the "The Pillars at the Entrance to King Solomon's Temple," and a sun, pentagon, mallet, rule, and paired compasses. These symbols refer to the teachings and practices of the secret fraternal organization of the Free and Accepted Masons. Upholding the principles of morality, charity, and obedience to the law, Masons became a very popular and powerful civic organization in colonial and early America. Their members included many of the most famous Americans such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. Imports of porcelain with Masonic imagery were popular among Americans; more punch bowls and mugs were so decorated than teawares. Masonic decorated porcelain was a stock pattern brought back by American merchants to New England.
Subjects:
Pottery; Enamel and enameling; glaze (coating by location); polychrome; Porcelain Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+91.019 |
