Joseph Loring
Cream Pot (Creamer)

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Cream Pot (Creamer)
Datec. 1797
Made inBoston, Massachusetts, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions5 × 5 5/16 × 3 1/16 in. (12.7 × 13.5 × 7.8 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Mrs. Ernst Auerbach in memory of Ernst Auerbach
Object numberB.69.256.2
Non exposé

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

Although neither of these pieces is marked, their descent from Joseph Loring’s daughter prompts the attribution to his shop (see B.69.256.1, B.69.256.2, B.69.256.3, B.69.256.4, B.69.256.5, and B.69.256.6).  Objects such as these offer a rare insight into a craftsman’s personal taste.

Technical notes: The cream pot's foot is seamed, its body raised. The sugar dish lid has cutouts to accommodate the handles. Its vented finial is soldered on. 

Related examples: Similar cream pitchers are recorded in Sprague 1987, p. 197, no. 113; Buhler 1979, pp. 60–61, nos. 84, 85, the latter with its accompanying sugar bowl. Interestingly all three vessels cited are marked by the shop of Ebenezer Moulton (1768–1824).  Joseph Loring’s stamp has been found on objects marked by Moulton, indicating some form of a business relationship. 

Book excerpt: David B. Warren, Michael K. Brown, Elizabeth Ann Coleman, and Emily Ballew Neff.  American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection. Houston: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998.


ProvenanceSusan Hall (d. 1841), who m. Joseph Loring, Jr. (1767–1838), the silversmith’s son, probably in 1797; given to their daughter Mary Hall Loring (1802–1883); given to Susie J. Swan; given to James Edward Swan (1839–1917); presumably given to his son James Swan (1870–1944); Mrs. Ernst Auerbach (Louise B. Auerbach); given to MFAH, 1969.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved below spout: ML / 1797 [Mary Loring] and M.H.L. to J.E.S [Mary Hall Loring to James Edward Swan]
[no marks]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Cream Pot (Creamer)
Joseph Loring
c. 1797
Silver
B.69.256.4
detail
Joseph Loring
c. 1797
Silver
B.69.256.6
Tablespoon
Joseph Loring
c. 1797
Silver
B.69.256.5
Teapot
Joseph Loring
c. 1797
Silver
B.69.256.1
Sugar Bowl
Joseph Loring
c. 1797
Silver
B.69.256.3.A,.B
Cream Pot (Creamer)
John Bayly
c. 1754–1782
Silver
B.69.100
Cream Pot (Creamer)
William Gilbert
c. 1780–1800
Silver
B.90.8
Cream Pot (Creamer)
Jacob Hurd
c. 1745–c. 1755
Silver
B.69.112
Cream Pot or Creamer (part of a Tea Set)
Standish Barry
c. 1784–1815
Silver
B.67.5.3.A,.B
Cream Pot (Creamer)
William Will
c. 1764–1798
Pewter
B.2015.10
Cream Pot or Creamer (part of a tea and coffee service)
c. 1765–1780
Lead-glazed earthenware (creamware)
B.56.20.3