Tucker China Factory
Pitcher

Public Domain

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

ArtistPossibly molded by Andrew Craig Walker (American, active early 19th century)American, active early 19th century

CultureAmerican

Titles

Pitcher

Datec. 1826–1838

Made inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions6 3/16 × 6 3/8 × 5 in. (15.7 × 16.2 × 12.7 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by various donors

Object numberB.98.6

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[Philip H. Bradley, Downington, Pennsylvania]; purchased by MFAH, 1998.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

[no inscriptions]

Incised on underside: W

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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