Paul and Virginia
Object NameParian Pitcher
Manufacturer
United States Pottery Company
(American (Bennington, VT), 1847 - 1858)
Date1852-1858
OriginNorth America
MediumCeramic
Dimensions7 1/4 × 2 3/4 × 3 1/16 in. diameter (18.4 × 7 × 7.8 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics
Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number2.15.1
Status
On viewCollections
CultureAmerican
Label TextThe United States Pottery Company, as it became known, was an innovative enterprise that focused on producing decorative objects for the home. Employing as many as 200 workers, the pottery became known for its technical achievements, such as the patent of a flint enamel glazing process. In addition, the United States Pottery Company was the first American company to produce Parian ware, a fine grade porcelain. The company gained recognition in 1853 when it produced a ten-foot high ceramic monument that was feature at the New York Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1853. Over-expansion, rising production costs, and an economic recession forced the closing of the United States Pottery Company in 1853.
This pitcher’s pattern name, “Paul and Virginia,” refers to a popular French novel of innocent young love first published in the late 1700s. Much of the story is set on the tropical island of Mauritius, which was then under French control and called Isle de France.
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Farm House Museum
Object Name: Mural (three panels)
Grant Wood
1936-1937
Object number: U88.68abc
Object Name: Figure Group: dancers
Frankenthal Porcelain Factory
19th century
Object number: 2.6.109
Object Name: Painting
Newell Convers Wyeth
1939
Object number: UM90.53
