Pitcher 1847 - 1850

This blue glazed earthenware pitcher was made by the Jersey City Pottery, which operated in New Jersey, USA during the late 19th century. The pitcher is an example of the kinds of decorative art that flourished during the American Gilded Age. The Jersey City Pottery was one of many potteries that sprung up in the United States during this time, as industrialization and urbanization created new markets for consumer goods. These potteries often produced both functional and decorative items, and they catered to a wide range of tastes and budgets. The blue glaze on this pitcher was a popular choice for pottery of this era, likely referencing transferware made in England that was fashionable at the time. To understand this piece more fully, we might research the social history of ceramics in the United States, and the ways in which pottery firms like Jersey City Pottery contributed to the development of American consumer culture. The museum itself also has a history to consider as the popularity of this type of pottery has changed over time, influencing its collection.