Pitcher 1852 - 1858

Curator: Cobalt fields and blooming porcelain, eh? Immediately makes me think of simpler times. Reminds me of something my grandma might’ve had. Editor: Precisely! You’re looking at a piece entitled “Pitcher,” crafted by the United States Pottery Company sometime between 1852 and 1858. Currently, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: The lotus blooms! Tell me, what do those whisper of from that era? Is it purely aesthetic, or is there a hidden language we’ve almost forgotten? Editor: Lotus blossoms frequently symbolized purity and rebirth, emerging unsullied from muddy waters. Consider, also, the broader context—the mid-19th century was a time of profound social and industrial transformation in the United States. To many, these represented aspirations for beauty and spiritual growth amidst great change. Curator: Yes, a perfect, controlled bloom amidst rapid transformation—holding steady. Even just the color choices give it such depth! I notice it's made from ceramic and earthenware… Was it challenging to make, and was this material commonly used? Editor: Earthenware was a very common, affordable material for functional pieces like pitchers. What is impressive, I think, is the clean detail of the molded floral relief against that rich cobalt glaze—achieving this effect certainly demanded skill and careful firing. Mass production had increased, but skilled craftsmanship was still highly valued. Curator: Almost makes one think that these sorts of things had a larger cultural impact that sometimes goes ignored... Nowadays, would we value this material, or is earthenware outdated in some capacity? Editor: Absolutely. Objects like this tell vivid stories about the aesthetic preferences and everyday lives of past generations, yes. Though earthenware is perhaps less prized today, recognizing the history embedded in such items deepens our connection to the past. There's beauty in these domestic objects and reminders of simple things. Curator: Well put! A refreshing artifact, really! Editor: Indeed, an era of transformation frozen in time.