Mug 1850 - 1890

Editor: Here we have a ceramic mug by Daniel Greatbatch, created sometime between 1850 and 1890. It's currently held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The brown earthenware, combined with the relief carvings, gives it such a warm, almost rustic feel. What stories do you think this piece tells? Curator: Well, think about the social rituals surrounding mugs in the mid-19th century. Who would have used this? In what context? This wasn't mass-produced like many of our dishes today. It was likely a special object, potentially reflecting status, or even a political affiliation that needed broadcasting through everyday objects. The raised designs speak volumes, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Yes, they seem incredibly detailed. Are there particular elements of those designs that would point to a specific interpretation? Curator: Consider the imagery: figures in relief, possibly depicting rural life. Who is represented, and who *isn't*? Does the artist depict only a certain type of labor or leisure? The seemingly bucolic scenes could mask inequalities and power dynamics of the time. Who had the leisure to drink from this fancy mug and whose labor made that possible? Editor: That's a fascinating way to look at it. I was so focused on the craftsmanship, but now I see how it reflects the complex social fabric of its time. Curator: Exactly! Objects like this mug are never just decorative; they're loaded with cultural and political meaning, waiting to be decoded. It’s exciting, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely. I’ll definitely see everyday objects in museums in a completely new light now! Thanks.