Sugar bowl 1820 - 1850

This anonymous 19th-century stoneware sugar bowl from the Art Institute of Chicago exemplifies the simple, utilitarian nature of early American ceramics. Crafted from earthenware, it features a rounded body and lid with a distinctive knob, accented by two small, molded loop handles. The rich, red-brown glaze, with hints of green, showcases the craftmanship of the unknown potter. The bowl’s modest size, measuring just over 10 centimeters in height, suggests it was intended for household use. This sugar bowl is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of early American potters, representing a time when functional objects served both practical and aesthetic purposes.