Pitcher 1872 - 1892

This terracotta pitcher was created by Chelsea Keramic Art Works, a company active in Massachusetts between 1872 and 1889. During the late 19th century, the American Arts and Crafts movement emphasized handcraftsmanship in response to industrialization. This pitcher, with its molded details of a horse’s head and stylized face, exemplifies that ethos. But, like so many other "craft" enterprises, it was a factory that hired largely immigrant labor. It also reflects an interest in classical forms, evident in the pitcher's shape. The horse’s head and the stylized face recall ancient Greek pottery. This revival of classical motifs spoke to the era's fascination with antiquity and its perceived ideals of beauty and order. The creation and collection of such objects were deeply entwined with the social and cultural values of the time. Consider how this pitcher, seemingly simple, carries within it complex narratives of labor, class, and the selective embrace of historical styles.