Butter boat
Dateca. 1775
Maker
Lowestoft Porcelain Factory
1757-1802
OriginEngland, Lowestoft
MediumSoft-paste porcelain
DimensionsOH: 2 1/8"; OL: 3 7/8"; OW: 2 1/4".
Credit LineGift of Elise H. Wright
Object number2024-186
DescriptionButter boat: molded with acanthus leaves rising from the scalloped foot; ear-shaped handle with spur at thumb rest opposite integrated slightly flared spout; painted in pink, purple, red, and green with scrolling diaper reserves flanked by leaves around the rim and flower sprigs and small scrolls around the body.Label TextSimilar in shape to miniature sauceboats and sometimes confused with cream jugs, butter boats are small spouted vessels used as part of the dinner service to hold melted butter served as an accompaniment to asparagus and other vegetables. Worcester made a number of these objects and other porcelain factories such as Lowestoft copied their examples.ProvenanceFormerly in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Hofheimer II (the donor’s parents). Inherited by the donor from her parents. In June 2024, gifted to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).
