Storage Jar

Date1821-1822

Maker Thomas Amos 1786 - 1822

MediumSalt-glazed stoneware

DimensionsOverall: 12 1/2 x 10 1/2in. (31.8 x 26.7cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2009-83

DescriptionOvoid salt-glazed stoneware storage jar with lug handles on either side of the vessel. The handles are encircled with cobalt blue decoration and the jar is further ornamented with two rows of cobalt dots, which encircle the jar at the height of the handles and on either side of the vessel (half way between the handles) the outline of a flower, stem, and two leaves. The slightly everted, rolled rim is wider than the base of the jar.Label TextThe decoration on this jar matches exactly decoration found on archaeological sherds recovered from the Thomas Amos kiln site in Henrico County, Virginia. This find connects decoration typically associated with Baltimore stoneware production only, to decoration on pieces made in Virginia. This storage jar helps illustrate the movement of designs and potters from the Baltimore area, further south into Virginia.

Thomas Morgan and Thomas Amos owned Thomas Amos and Co. in Baltimore post-1815 and until 1819. Then, Thomas Amos and William H. Morgan (Thomas Morgan's son) opened Morgan and Amos. Many pieces from this venture are marked with freehand inscriptions including the dates 1820, 1821, and 1822. The Thomas Amos kiln site in Henrico County, Virginia was in operation as of 1820. He had one kiln, 3 wheels, and employed 4 men. Amos died in 1822.ProvenancePreviously owned by Rob Hunter of Yorktown, VA