The inspiration for this pot comes from Colonial Williamsburg's collection of early American pottery, and is a rare commemorative flowerpot which was handed down as a family heirloom.
Late 18th century and early 19th century potters of Chester County, Pennsylvania, occasionally made "fancy flowerpots" which were inscribed with a family name, or to commemorate a special event.
The pot that inspired my piece, was made for Elizabeth Canby in 1825, by Chester County potter, Enos Smedley, and inscribed with her name, and the name of her home, Brandywine, in Wilmington, Delaware. Not many examples of 18th and early 19th century flowerpots exist, due to seasonal wear and tear, and the fact that they were made of earthenware, which is more fragile than the higher fired stoneware, which was used for household crocks and jugs. I've included a photo of the original here.
I love the full and graceful form of the original piece, and tried to put my own touch on the design, without copying it exactly. I've made it with an attached saucer, but gave it a crimped base, which gives the illusion of the pot sitting on a separate saucer.
This rare example of a fancy flowerpot was handed down in the Canby family, passing through four generations, eventually being gifted to Colonial Williamsburg in 1983 by Beatrix T. Rumford, the great-great-great niece of Elizabeth Canby.
You can read more about it here:
My pot is unglazed white clay, and the inside of the pot, and the attached saucer are treated with an acrylic sealer, making them as waterproof as possible. However, be careful where you water the pot; if it is overwatered, water will fill the saucer and could damage fine furniture.
- Handthrown in Rockdale, Wisconsin
- Fired to 2000 F
- Fired-on mineral wash finish
- Drainage hole allows for direct planting
- For indoor and outdoor use, but not frost proof; store inside during winter months
- Price Includes UPS or USPS shipping to the Continental USA
