Thomas Mayer
Plate

Public Domain

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Images(2)

Maker Thomas Mayer English, c. 1800–1855, active c. 1826–1838

CultureEnglish

Titles

Plate
the Arms of "Rhode Island"

Datec. 1826–1838

Made inLongport, England

Place depictedRhode Island, United States

MediumLead-glazed earthenware with transfer print

Dimensions1 × 8 5/8 in. diameter (2.5 × 21.9 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Jas A. Gundry

Object numberB.2013.12

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Kilroy Center

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThe detail of the Arms of the State of Rhode Island is taken from a large facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, engraved by George Murray and published by John Binns, in a design registered in 1818 and printed in 1819. Encircling the text of the Declaration is a ceremonial chain with medallions bearing portraits of the Founding Fathers and the arms of each state. Binns hoped to distribute 200 copies of the design and it seems that at least one made it to England where, between 1826 and 1830, Thomas Mayer used it to produce a series of designs for transferware ceramics.
ProvenanceJas A. Gundry, Houston; given to MFAH, 2013.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Blue glaze image of anchor at sea with banner above with text " HOPE " ; below image " RHODE ISLAND "
Underside impressed in circle " STAFFORD (?) YER STOKE " with maker's mark in center; blue glaze " 2 " ; blue glaze image of eagle with banner " E. PLURIBUS UNUM "

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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