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Pitcher

Decorative Arts and Design

This type of pitcher, called a sweetheart pitcher because of its distinctive shape, was made by many American potteries in the second half of the nineteenth century. Empire China Works, the maker of this particular example, produced tablewares, hardware fittings, electrical supplies, and cuspidors. The company was established by James L. Jensen (American, born Denmark, 1837–1900), who had previously worked for Union Porcelain Works.
MEDIUM Porcelain
  • Place Manufactured: Brooklyn, New York, United States
  • DATES ca. 1875
    DIMENSIONS 9 1/2 x 9 x 6 in. (24.1 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm)  (show scale)
    MARKINGS Unmarked. On base, small white paper sticker with blue ink:' F1'; small white paper sticker with blue ink: '4681/6.'
    INSCRIPTIONS On one side, in gold paint: 'Presented to/Edward Stephens'; on reverse in gold paint: 'By/the/Empire China Mfg. Co.'
    ACCESSION NUMBER 2011.79.1
    CREDIT LINE Harold S. Keller Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Large white glazed porcelain pitcher with wide spout and thick ear shaped handle, decorated on either side with a slight heart shaped gold and purple cartouche containing presentation details; on one side a single pink rose with green leaves and in gold paint in gothic script: 'Presented to/Edward Stephens' and on reverse also in gold paint gothic script: 'By/the/Empire China Mfg.Co.' Pitcher rim, handle and foot outlined with a thin gold band; under spout and handle in gold paint, a vertical leaf and feather design.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Empire China Works (1867/8-1927). Pitcher, ca. 1875. Porcelain, 9 1/2 x 9 x 6 in. (24.1 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Harold S. Keller Fund, 2011.79.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.79.1_view1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.2011.79.1_view1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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    Empire China Works (1867/8-1927). <em>Pitcher</em>, ca. 1875. Porcelain, 9 1/2 x 9 x 6 in. (24.1 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Harold S. Keller Fund, 2011.79.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.79.1_view1.jpg)