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.