Tucker China Factory
Pitcher

Public Domain

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Maker Tucker China Factory (American, active 1826–1838)American, active 1826–1838

CultureAmerican

Titles

Pitcher

Datec. 1826–1838

Made inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions9 3/8 × 5 7/8 × 7 13/16 in. (23.9 × 14.9 × 19.8 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.22.5.1

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Ceramics Study Room

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionDuring the 1820s and 1830s, the market in the United States for fine ceramics was dominated by imported wares: English, French, and Chinese goods were prominent. In this climate, William Ellis Tucker of Philadelphia in 1826 began a firm to manufacture porcelain. With the help of outside investors, he succeeded in making fine quality tablewares and decorative pieces, with most designs influenced by contemporary French wares. Unfortunately, it was a costly and demanding business, and financial struggles continued. A nationwide financial panic in 1837 contributed to the company’s demise in 1838.

Provenance[William B. Montague, Norristown, Pennsylvania]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1922; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Exhibition HistoryExhibited at the Bayou Bend Museum of Americana at Tenneco, Houston, Texas, September 22, 1991–February 26, 1993.

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