‘Grecian-Shape’ Pitcher

1825-1837

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The William Ellis Tucker China Manufactory

The William Ellis Tucker China Manufactory

‘Grecian-Shape’ Pitcher

1825-1837

Physical Qualities Porcelain, enamel, gilt decoration., 8 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 6 in. (21.6 x 22.2 x 15.2 cm)

Credit Line Purchase with exchange funds from The Mary Frick Jacobs Collection

Object Number 1992.121

American potters produced primarily utilitarian stoneware vessels, vital to the thriving agricultural markets. Finer materials, like porcelain, were usually imported. William Ellis Tucker's factory in downtown Philadelphia was one of the earliest American companies to create porcelain which rivaled European dinnerware. Here, exquisitely painted floral ornament and gilding recall 'Old Paris' porcelain made in Europe prior to the French Revolution.

This pitcher bears the initials of Thomas McAdam, "the original owner, who passed it down to his son, and were then bought by Samuel W. Woodhouse, Jr., an early collector, before entering the collections of the Brooklyn Museum." Frelinghuysen, "American Porcelain, 1770-1920. See references.

Wendy A. Cooper, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, Classical Taste in America 1800-1840, June 27-September 26, 1993, p.182, no.140, ill. p.182, circulated to Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

References, continued: Important Furniture, Silver, Folk Art and Decorative Arts, Christie's New York, June 17, 1992, lot 109.

Wendy A. Cooper. Classical Taste in America 1800-1840. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Museum of Art; New York: Abbeville Press, 1993, page 182.

Inscribed: On front: "TMcA" [owner's initials]

Markings: On bottom, painted in red: "Smith. Fife & Co / Manufactureres / Phila"