Miniature pitcher 1848 - 1856

Charles Cartlidge and Company produced this miniature pitcher of white porcelain with gilded details in the mid-19th century in the United States. The piece reflects the growing market for decorative ceramics during this period, fueled by industrial advances that allowed for mass production and wider distribution. The gilded inscription, likely a personal dedication, speaks to the sentimental culture of the time, where objects served as tokens of affection and remembrance. Cartlidge's company, though short-lived, played a role in establishing ceramics as a significant industry in the US, influencing design trends and production methods. The pitcher's survival in museum collections highlights the increasing value placed on American decorative arts and their role in understanding social history. Further research into the company's business practices, design sources, and the recipient of the inscription can give us insight into the social and economic context of its creation and the role that institutions play in preserving this material culture for future generations.