Temperance Association Pitcher

Public Domain

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CultureEnglish

Titles

Temperance Association Pitcher

Datec. 1840–1850

Made inEngland

Possible place where decoratedUnited States

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions8 5/16 × 10 1/4 × 7 1/2 in. (21.1 × 26 × 19.1 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Jesse H. Jones II at "One Great Night in November, 2011"

Object numberB.2012.5

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Chillman Parlor

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionIn the United States, the temperance movement found widespread public support at an early date as evidenced by the establishment of associations in Virginia in 1800, New York eight years later, and by 1813 in Massachusetts. This response was in reaction to the social ills brought about by the population’s high consumption of alcohol, a practice that had long been pervasive throughout the country. In 1826, the American Temperance Society was founded in Boston. Two decades later, the movement’s impact can be measured by the fact that the consumption of alcohol was reduced by half. During this period, the water pitcher assumed greater prominence as a table form, due in part to the success of this public campaign. This elegant example, with its motto and depiction of a fountain clearly advocating temperance, is decorated in a manner that suggests it was intended for a genteel occasion.
Provenance[Rex Stark—Americana, Gardner, Massachusetts]; purchased by MFAH, 2012.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

blue ink inscribed on white paper label " Poss Haviland or French / Post Tucker / Pre Cartily (?)- / c. 1845-50 / decor / 1945 (?) "

black ink inscribed on green circular paper label " 97 "

[no signatures]

Marked on body below spout: TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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