Ice Pitcher

One side of this pitcher depicts King Gambrinus, the Teutonic inventor of beer, offering Uncle Sam his first glass of the foaming brew. The other sIde shows a scene from Bret Harte's popular 1870 poem known as "The Heathen Chinee." Despite its title, Harte's poem paints a sympathetic picture of these new Asian immigrants and was a plea for fairness.

• Artist: Karl L. H. Mueller (Designer)
• Medium: Porcelain
• Geographical Location: New York City, New York, USA
• Dates: ca. 1875
• Dimensions: 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
• Markings: On barrel is stamp of "U.P.W.". Base marked in rust "Union / Porcelain Works / Greenpoint / N.Y." and eagle head in black with "U.P.W."
• Signature: no signature
• Inscriptions: no inscriptions
• Collection: Decorative Arts
• Museum Location: BMA, EXHIBITION-5, American 5P19
• Accession Number: 68.87.51
• Image: "Overall", 68.87.51_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 0,

Catalogue Description:
Ice pitcher, porcelain, with patented spout for ice, yellow ground with relief decoration of cowboy and Chinaman concealing a poker hand, opposite side King Gambrinus presenting a barrel of beer to Brother Jonathan. Bear handle, spout in the shape of a sea lion. Condition: Good