H. Wilson & Co.
Jug

MakerAmerican, c. 1869–1884
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Jug
Datec. 1869–1884
Made inTexas, United States
MediumSalt-glazed stoneware
Dimensions11 1/2 × 7 in. diameter (29.2 × 17.8 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Robert Mosbacher, Sr. and Jerry E. Finger in honor of Peter C. Marzio at "One Great Night in November, 2001"
Object numberB.2001.16
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Texas Alcove And Hall
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

In 1869 John M. Wilson sold his interest in the Guadalupe Pottery to his partner, Marion J. Durham. This sale may have prompted the establishment of a new pottery by men formerly enslaved by John M. Wilson. Hyrum Wilson (1836–1884), James Wilson (1847–1917), Wallace Wilson (born c. 1845), Andrew Wilson (dates unknown), and George Wilson (dates unknown) founded the firm that would be known as H. Wilson and Company. Hyrum, James, and Wallace became the principals of the new enterprise, one of the first African American owned businesses in Texas, which operated until 1884. Breaking from the southern tradition of using alkaline glazes, H. Wilson and Company appears to have used only salt glazing for its wares, a technique thought to have been introduced by Ohio native Isaac Suttles.

This jug bears the impressed maker’s mark of H. Wilson and Co. A jug such as this might have stored syrup, liquor, vinegar, or other liquids.


Provenance[Russell Barnes, Austin]; purchased by MFAH, 2001.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
[no marks]
Impressed on the shoulder: H.WILSON & Co.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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

Two-Gallon Jug
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.15
Jug
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2012.64
Jar with Lid
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware with slip interior
B.2012.145.A,.B
Five-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.93.1
Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.17
Three-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.14
Six-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.12
Five-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.13
Five-Gallon Churn
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.10
Seven-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.11
Jar with Lid
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2012.63.A,.B
Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware with slip interior
B.2012.67