Pitcher

1792-1796

Place madeEngland

Earthenware

Overall: 4 7/8 × 4 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (12.4 × 11.4 × 8.9 cm)

The Dr. Arthur H. Merritt Collection

1961.310

This transfer-printed pitcher, one of three known in this pattern, is one of the earliest known examples of Staffordshire pottery made specifically for the American market. A similar example, printed in black, is at the Smithsonian Institution.

Markingsprinted: under each portrait: "LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT"; "DR FRANKLIN"

ProvenanceThe Dr. Arthur H. Merritt Collection of Anglo-American Historical Staffordshire

ClassificationsCERAMICS

DescriptionGlazed pearlware pitcher with base of spout and handle terminus and thumbpad molded with leaf in low relief, bulbous body printed in blue with three images; two male portrait busts (Benjamin Franklin and George Washington) and one medallion with two classically dressed figures; borders show rosettes on ribbon-wrapped reeded band.

Object NamePitcher