MakerAttributed to
John Davis LeopardAmerican, active 1850–1883
Makerassociated with
Prothro Pottery CompanyAmerican, active 1846–1865
Makeror
John Leopard Pottery CompanyAmerican, active c. 1860–1883
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Churn
Datec. 1850–1883
Made inHenderson, Texas, United States
MediumAlkaline-glazed stoneware with wood
Dimensions27 × 12 1/2 in. diameter (68.6 × 31.8 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill
Object numberB.2012.97.A-.C
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Ceramics Study Room
On view
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Department
Bayou BendObject Type
John Leopard was born in 1800 in Edgefield, South Carolina, into a family well established in the area’s pottery making tradition. He lived in Alabama before coming to Rusk County, Texas, by 1850. Prior to establishing his own pottery in Henderson, he was probably employed by James Prothro. His pots are notable for their elegantly formed profiles and carefully executed rims and handles.
The height of this churn allowed the potter to display his skill at controlling the curvature of form in spite of its challenging size.
Provenance[Jon St. Clair, Austin]; purchased by William J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston, date unknown; given to MFAH, 2012.
Exhibition History"Made in Texas: Art, Life and Culture: 1845–1900," Beeville Art Museum, Texas, September 20, 2014–January 10, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
No visible signatures, marks, or inscriptions
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
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