Ceramic Coffeepot

Cream colored ceramic coffeepot with scene of couple seated in garden being served by a black servant. On the reverse is an image of a shepherd tending to his flock. the object is transfer-printed creamware in red. Curators; Notes [Martha R. Wyatt, Feb 2002] Blacks gained popularity among English gentry as domestic servants and stautus symbols, a fashion trend which continued throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Paintings of Eglish aristocrats and graphic representations often inclded black attendants or servants gazing at his or her white masters. Although The Tea Party was a popular transfer print applied to late 18th century ceramicns, the red transfer makes this piece unusual,