Jar

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Jar

Entry/Object ID

VC.59.16X

Description

The words 'COMMERAWS STONEWARE' appear under decorative cobalt swags on this open-mouth stoneware jar. Thomas Commeraw, the jar's maker, was enslaved from birth in New York City. Manumitted as a young child during the American Revolution, Commeraw grew up to become a successful potter and businessman during the early 19th century. An eminent figure within the free Black community of New York, Commeraw's identity and accomplishments were misinterpreted for most of the past 200 years until recent scholarship shed light on his life and work. Jar; open mouth; greyish salt glaze: decorated with impressed sgraffito swags, cobalt blue; impression of maker: on front "COMMERAWS [inverted S] STONEWARE [inverted N]"; on backside is "CORLEARS HOOK, N. YORK."

Collection

Van Cortlandt Manor Object Collection

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Thomas Commeraw (Commereau)

Attribution

Maker

Date made

circa 1802 - 1820

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Transcription

See description

Dimensions

Dimension Description

width w/out handles

Height

13-1/4 in

Diameter

9 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 13 1/4 x 9 in. (33.7 x 22.9 cm)

Material

Stoneware

Condition

Notes

Remarks: Part of handle is broken and missing.

Notes

Remarks: Details of condition: piece of one handle broken and missing.

Relationships

Related Entries

Notes

VC.59.16 - Jar - Similar item

General Notes

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Manor, Milk Room