Tea Canister

Date1793 (dated); cover: 1875/1876

Artist/Maker Henry Holland

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (slipware), silver

DimensionsOH: 7 7/8" H.without lid: 7 9/16" Diam. of base: 4 7/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995-88,A&B

DescriptionFlat circular base with narrow molded edge and straight cylindrical sides; flat angled shoulders and short cylindrical neck. Impressed on sides and shoulders with arches and bands of small and large stars, and the words "ELIZABETH * RUMENS OCTOBER 3 1793". Body was covered with white slip which was turned away to reveal pattern of slip-filled impressed design. Later flat-topped cylindrical sterling silver lid, with cipher of two entwined "T"s and a baron's coronet. Lid is marked by Henry Holland, London, 1875/ 76, and bears a workman's mark "B".Inscription(s)Body inscribed around waist: "ELIZABETH * RUMENS OCTOBER 3, 1793".Mark(s)Later silver cover with cipher of two entwined "T"s and a baron' s coronet. Lid marked by Henry Holland, London, 1875/76, and bears a workman's mark "B".ProvenanceSotheby's auction held at Charlottesville, Virginia, May 26, 1995: Important Americana, The Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Henry P. Deyerle. Lot 166.

Formerly with Robert E. Crawford, Richmond, Virginia, 1977, from Tom Gray, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.