Jar 1790 - 1840

This jar, of unknown date, was made by an anonymous artist using earthenware and lead glaze. As such, it speaks to the lives and labor of the working classes. These utilitarian objects were often made by enslaved people and women, their contributions erased from the historical record. Historically, lead glazing was used in potteries across the globe. Its presence here speaks to the exchange of technology and techniques across cultures. The green and brown hues may reflect an aesthetic choice, the locally available materials, or perhaps even an act of subtle rebellion against more formal pottery traditions. These kinds of objects provide a glimpse into the everyday lives and identities of their makers, offering a counterpoint to the dominant narratives of history. Consider the unseen hands that shaped this jar, the stories it could tell about labor, creativity, and the often-unacknowledged contributions of marginalized communities.