Mug

Tucker Factory

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is a rare early example of American porcelain that features such nationalistic motifs as a miniature portrait of George Washington, and eagle, and a flag flying from a staff in a landscape. Although there were several short-lived porcelain factories dating to the second quarter of the 18th century—all in operation for only a few years—it was not until the mid-1820s that the porcelain industry gained traction, with enterprises founded by various entrepreneurs working in Philadelphia and New York. It is likely that the mug was produced by one of those firms. The inscription in the banner held by the eagle’s beak, "American Porcelain," in combination with the patriotic motifs suggests that this may have been made to exhibit the success of one of those early factories. The Museum exhibits significant examples from the Philadelphia firm of William Ellis Tucker, and of the New York firm, DeCasse and Chanou. The name "E. P. Southwood" is inscribed in a reserve on the flag, and might identify one of investors in one of these early porcelain ventures.

The American Wing

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The American Wing's ever-evolving collection comprises some 20,000 works of art by African American, Euro American, Latin American, and Native American men and women. Ranging from the colonial to early-modern periods, the holdings include painting, sculpture, works on paper, and decorative arts—including furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, silver, metalwork, jewelry, basketry, quill and bead embroidery—as well as historical interiors and architectural fragments.

Metropolitan Museum of Art