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Punch Bowl

Decorative Arts and Design

Commemorating the launch of a new trade ship, this punch bowl is unique for its political statements. Celebrating free trade with the incised message “Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States—North [Hudson] River,” the maker Cornelius Paulus also declared his abolitionist sentiments with the phrase “Freedom to the Slave G.W.”
CULTURE American
MEDIUM Earthenware
  • Place Made: United States
  • DATES 1792
    DIMENSIONS 7 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (18.1 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm)  (show scale)
    INSCRIPTIONS Incised on outer band of yellow slip: "Success to Trade and Navigation in All Free States--North River" and the initials "C.P."; incised on inner band of yellow slip: "August 17, 1792--Albany Packet Two Brothers"; inscribed in central medallion "Freedom / to the Slave / G.W."
    ACCESSION NUMBER 48.143
    CREDIT LINE Dick S. Ramsay Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Punch bowl, "Two Brothers," slip-decorated red earthenware, interior decorated with two bands and a central medallion of yellow slip on which inscriptions are incised followed by an outline sketch of a sailboat and the initials "C.P." The central medallion is also inscribed. Condition: Slip worn and chipped.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION American. Punch Bowl, 1792. Earthenware, 7 1/8 x 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (18.1 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 48.143. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 48.143_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 48.143_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2021
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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