Union Porcelain Works (1863–ca. 1922). Cream Pitcher, 1876. Porcelain, 3 7/8 x 3 1/2 in. (9.8 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Franklin Chace, 68.87.31. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 68.87.29a-b_68.87.30a-b_68.87.31_68.87.32a-b_SL1.jpg)
Union Porcelain Works (1863–ca. 1922). Cream Pitcher, 1876. Porcelain, 3 7/8 x 3 1/2 in. (9.8 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Franklin Chace, 68.87.31. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 68.87.28a-b-.32a-b_bw.jpg)
Cream Pitcher
Decorative Arts and Design
The motifs on this tea set are representations of race from the nineteenth century, a time when stereotypical racial images circulated heavily in popular culture and were rarely questioned.
The imagery was intended to symbolize the labor required for the contents of each vessel, including an enslaved African sugarcane picker for the sugar bowl, an Asian man for the teapot, and a goat for the cream pitcher. These objects speak to the exploitative nature of the relationship between white Americans and African descendants and Asian peoples under colonial regimes.
The imagery was intended to symbolize the labor required for the contents of each vessel, including an enslaved African sugarcane picker for the sugar bowl, an Asian man for the teapot, and a goat for the cream pitcher. These objects speak to the exploitative nature of the relationship between white Americans and African descendants and Asian peoples under colonial regimes.
MANUFACTURER
Union Porcelain Works, 1863–ca. 1922
MEDIUM
Porcelain
DATES
1876
DIMENSIONS
3 7/8 x 3 1/2 in. (9.8 x 8.9 cm) (show scale)
MARKINGS
Painted in red on bottom over glaze: "U.P.W" with "S" below.
SIGNATURE
no signature
INSCRIPTIONS
no inscriptions
COLLECTIONS
Decorative Arts and Design
ACCESSION NUMBER
68.87.31
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Franklin Chace
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Creamer pitcher, part of tête-à-tête tea set (68.87.28-.32), hard-paste porcelain. Body is general cylindrical shape, rises from flat bottom, angled in at sides, flares out around top edge to form spout, undulating rim around top edge. Opposing handle in form of pitcher plant with ram's head. Raised on four rabbit feet. Body decorated with light orange ground covered with flowers and butterflies; white reserves on sides and below spout contain flowers and birds. Gilt band around inside top edge.
Condition: Good
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Union Porcelain Works (1863–ca. 1922). Cream Pitcher, 1876. Porcelain, 3 7/8 x 3 1/2 in. (9.8 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Franklin Chace, 68.87.31. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 68.87.29a-b_68.87.30a-b_68.87.31_68.87.32a-b_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE
68.87.29a-b_68.87.30a-b_68.87.31_68.87.32a-b_SL1.jpg.
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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