clay and ceramics

shelf 2

In the 1700s, as European ceramic makers were discovering how to produce porcelain, European ships were sailing in all directions in search of profitable commodities and mapmakers were plotting the locations of their travels. Symbolized by the ceramic bank, countries and private citizens grew wealthy through the trade of foreign resources.

 

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A sculpture with three figures in elaborate historical clothing. A seated light-skinned figure holds a roll of maps while one child examines. A second child sits near them.

Johann Peter Melchior, modeler, German, 1742–1825

Höchst Manufactory, German, 1746–present

Map Seller and Two Children, ca. 1775

Porcelain with enamels and glaze

Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 55.167 

A cylindrical teapot with an inward curve towards the lid, a wavy handle, and a spout. The transfer printed decorations are a sun, a map, and a figure holding scales.

William Greatbach, English, 1735–1813

Creamware Teapot, 1770–1782

Earthenware with transfer print and glaze

Gift of Miss Alice Brownell, Mrs. Ernst R. Behrend and Alfred S. Brownell 29.174

A sculptural putto figure holding a globe that is gilded. The putto has brown hair, red lips, and a light purple fabric draped across it.

Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, German, 1710–present

Putto Holding a Globe, 1745–1750

Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding

Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 55.183

A prattware money box in the shape of an elephant with a castle on its back. The decorations are white, blue, green, and yellow.

English

Pratt Ware Money Box, ca. 1800–1820

Earthenware with polychrome underglaze and glaze

Gift of the Estate of Abby Rockefeller Mauzé 78.046.50