Description:
English pearlware "London-shaped" teacup with a wide mouth, light blue-edged rim, undercut base, and turned foot rim and saucer (HD 2006.26.5) with blue transfer-printed decoration of a variation of the American eagle taken from the Great Seal of the United States adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782, which was made for the American market. Transfer-printed creamwares and pearlwares of this design are commonly known as "Liverpool-type" ceramics. Jugs, plates, bowls, plaques, and mugs were often potted locally or produced in Staffordshire for the many transfer-printing establishments in Liverpool. Orders from Americans, especially ship captains, kept these printing businesses busy as they successfully used images designed to appeal to the sentiments, politics, and patriotism of Americans. The center well has an eagle with wings outstretched looking to the left and a shield in front ot its body, with its left talon holding an olive branch on the top left of the shield and the right talon holding a bunch of arrows below the shield; the exterior sides and half of the interior rim have borders of flowers and scrolls on a stippled ground. The same printed pattern is found on teacup and saucer (HD 90.210.1-.2) and plate (HD 56.013). The set was found by the donor at a yard sale in Tyringham (near Otis and Becket) Massachusetts at Baird's Tavern. Condition: the cup has a hairline crack on the side, which is slightly stained. This plate version of the Seal of the United States comes only in this form, but also appears on a Salopian base with polychrome decorations.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2006.26.4 |
