Pitcher with Blue-on-Brown Glaze

Unidentified, Pitcher with Blue-on-Brown Glaze, 20th century (pre-1974), glazed stoneware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.30
Copied Unidentified, Pitcher with Blue-on-Brown Glaze, 20th century (pre-1974), glazed stoneware, 11 1⁄4 x 7 x 7 in. (28.6 x 17.8 x 17.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.30
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Artwork Details

Title
Pitcher with Blue-on-Brown Glaze
Artist
Unidentified
Date
20th century (pre-1974)
Location
Dimensions
11 1⁄4 x 7 x 7 in. (28.6 x 17.8 x 17.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
glazed stoneware
Classifications
Object Number
1986.65.30
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.30

Artwork Description

Until the mid-twentieth century, people used large stoneware pots to store homemade butter, syrups, fruit, and meat. They also fermented and stored alcohol in heavy bell jars that kept the brew airtight and cool. Craftsmen used local clays and handmade glazes to create these pots and rarely applied any decoration. The glazes were made from sand, clay, lime, or wood ash, and often ran down the clay during firing to create a “tobacco spit” effect.