Description:
On one side, the pitcher is decorated with an American trade ship above the banner "Success to Trade." Beneath the spout is the Great Seal of the United States partially encircled by a quote from Thomas Jefferson's first presidential inauguration: "Peace, Commerce, and honest Friendship with all Nations...Entangling Alliances with none." On the other side is a scene entitled "A Man of War towing a Frigate into Harbour" depicting a man and woman walking arm-in-arm over the words "A Sailor's life's a pleasant life. He freely roams from shore to shore: In every port he finds a wife: what can a sailor wish for more." This image was taken from a 1781 print published in London by Carington Bowles and the verse was likely adapted from a popular poem or musical number of the day.
Label Text:
This large pitcher is decorated with an American trade ship above the banner "Suc-cess to Trade" accompanied by the Great Seal of the United States with a quote from Thomas Jefferson's first presidential inauguration speech. These pro-American themes reveal British ceramic manufacturers attempting to appeal to the hearts and wallets of American consumers. This trend began at a time of tentative relations between the two nations—just after the Revolution and before the War of 1812. The print on the verso entitled "A Man of War towing a Frigate into Harbour" portrays a British warship with what might be a seized American vessel – one of the issues that led to the War of 1812. If so, this would be an ironic illustration for the British manufactures to include on a pro-trade pitcher.
Give the customer what they want. These vessels, made in England but celebrating the new United States, reveal how British ceramic manufacturers appealed to the hearts and wallets of 19th-century American consumers. This trend began at a time of strained relations between the two nations—just after the Revolution and before the War of 1812. The image of the Nahant Hotel was originally reproduced in Caleb Snow’s 1825 History of Boston, and scenes like this one became a way for everyday Americans to celebrate their nation’s identity and history. Illustrating the mercantile accomplishments of the country, the pitcher is decorated with a merchantman accompanied by the Great Seal of the United States and a quote from Thomas Jefferson.
(2016)
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=MH+SK+2006.487.INV |
