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A classically decorated vase painted in bright purples and greens.

A tall vase with a mix of painted and carved decorations. The lowest third is a strip of panels showing white carved scenes. The central scene shows Native Americans shaking hands with Europeans. Above this at the center of the body of the vessel there is a white carved bust of a man, and on either side where handles would be there are carved buffalo heads. The rest if the body of the vessel is brightly painted leaves and fruit. Several strips of painted decoration cover the neck and opening of the vase, divided by horizontal strips of gold paint.

Gallery Text

The "Century Vase" was designed to celebrate artistic innovation in U.S. craft and industry on the world stage. Manufactured by Union Porcelain Works in New York, the original vase was featured at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (equivalent to a world’s fair). Smaller versions like this one were made for the market. In this iteration, the handles are bison heads, and a cameo bust of George Washington is displayed prominently. Beneath the bust are six low-relief friezes of embellished historical scenes, such as the Boston Tea Party and the contested 1682 gathering at Shackamaxon (part of present-day Philadelphia) between Tamanend of the Lenape confederation and William Penn. Leafy scrolls of foliage are painted in bright purple and green above bands of gold acorns, likely referencing the American oak tree, and bunches of grapes, possibly symbolizing abundance. Can you recognize what other “achievements,” “acts of patriotism,” or symbols of American national identity are being represented?

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2015.2
People
Designed by Karl L. H. Müller, American (c. 1820 - 1887)
Manufactured by Union Porcelain Works, American (active 1863 - c. 1922)
Title
Century Vase
Classification
Vessels
Work Type
vessel
Date
c. 1876-77
Places
Creation Place: North America, United States, New York, Brooklyn
Culture
American
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/352470

Location

Location
Level 2, Room 2100, European and American Art, 17th–19th century, Centuries of Tradition, Changing Times: Art for an Uncertain Age
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Physical Descriptions

Medium
Porcelain, partially painted and gilded
Dimensions
32.5 x 29.2 cm (12 13/16 x 11 1/2 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • manufacturer's mark: stamped in black on bottom of vase, inscribed within a circle: MANUFACTURED BY UNION PORCELAIN WORKS GREENPOINT, N.Y.

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Private Collection, West Coast, until 2011. [Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York] sold; to Harvard Art Museums, 2015.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Augustus S. Cobb, by exchange
Accession Year
2015
Object Number
2015.2
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 2340 Cabinet Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 06/15/2016 - 09/24/2019; Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/25/2019 - 07/10/2023
  • 32Q: 2100 19th Century, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 07/24/2023 - 01/01/2050

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu