John Davis Leopard
Churn

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

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

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.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Churn
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.168
Churn
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.169
Churn
Joseph C. D. Rushton
c. 1873–1900
Slip-glazed stoneware with wood
B.2012.111.A-.C
Pitcher
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.98
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.95
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.96
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.93
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.94
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.91
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1850–1883
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.2012.90.A,.B
Six-Gallon Churn
James W. Haden
c. 1873–1900
Alkaline-glazed stoneware
B.93.9
Jar
John Davis Leopard
c. 1846–1865
Slip-glazed stoneware
B.2012.100