Mug

William Bloor

ca. 1854–62 · Parian porcelain, clear glaze · The American Wing

William Bloor was a significant figure in the development of porcelain in this country; he worked in numerous potteries in both East Liverpool, Ohio, and Trenton, New Jersey, two major centers of porcelain production during its burgeoning years in the third quarter of the nineteenth century. The mug depicts on one side the hero Lajos (Louis) Kossuth, who was widely admired by Americans for his efforts to liberate Hungary from Austrian rule during the 1848 revolution, appropriately paired with George Washington, America’s hero in liberating the colonies from British oppression. Kossuth made a much-publicized visit to the United States, arriving in the country in December 1851, and was received warmly by the American public. His visit garnered much press, and his portrait bust was featured on a wide range of decorative items, such as quilts, glass flasks, and ceramics, that were aimed at a middle-class clientele.

Artist

William Bloor

Date

ca. 1854–62

Medium

Parian porcelain, clear glaze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Jay and Emma Lewis, 2018