Art

Panorama of the Army of the Cumberland

The National Museum of American History is not an art museum. But works of art fill its collections and testify to the vital place of art in everyday American life. The ceramics collections hold hundreds of examples of American and European art glass and pottery. Fashion sketches, illustrations, and prints are part of the costume collections. Donations from ethnic and cultural communities include many homemade religious ornaments, paintings, and figures. The Harry T Peters "America on Stone" collection alone comprises some 1,700 color prints of scenes from the 1800s. The National Quilt Collection is art on fabric. And the tools of artists and artisans are part of the Museum's collections, too, in the form of printing plates, woodblock tools, photographic equipment, and potters' stamps, kilns, and wheels.

Resource Type: Bottles

Florentine Bottle

Free blown green glass container with a long neck, a round squat body and an applied curved spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
Free blown green glass container with a long neck, a round squat body and an applied curved spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0929
collector/donor number
SAP 1017
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06325
1991.0664.0929

Rookwood vase

Before becoming an international phenomenon, the Arts and Crafts movement began with the ideas of British artisan William Morris (1834-1896) and writer John Ruskin (1819-1900).
Description
Before becoming an international phenomenon, the Arts and Crafts movement began with the ideas of British artisan William Morris (1834-1896) and writer John Ruskin (1819-1900). Morris and Ruskin believed that the growth of cities isolated urban workers and that mass production negatively affected artisan crafts. They proposed to solve these issues by returning to a medieval-inspired village model where everybody participated in a community lifestyle. In the United States, artisans adapted these ideas into the studio art pottery movement. Unlike their British counterparts, who often focused predominantly on social issues and therefore made objects that incorporated Gothic and Renaissance motifs, American craftsmen developed a cohesive and novel aesthetic.
This small Rookwood vase showcases the company’s “Mahogany Standard Glaze.” Although it had been producing objects with the distinctive gradient coloration since 1885, Rookwood only began referring to the glaze as their “Standard Glaze” in 1900. This process was comparatively expensive; it was technically challenging to achieve and many of the pieces taken out of the kiln were defective. In the “Mahogany” version, the decorator airbrushed the slip yellow-tinted background onto a red clay body. Unlike traditional glaze decoration, which is actually a kind of glass, slip decoration is made from colored clay and adheres tightly to the clay surface onto which it is applied.
Like many of its counterparts, this vase features a floral motif. The trumpet flower on this vase was a popular flower in Victorian gardens and would have been easily recognized by its intended consumers: the rapidly growing American middle class.
This small Rookwood vase showcases the company’s “Mahogany Standard Glaze.” Although it had been producing objects with the distinctive gradient coloration since 1885, Rookwood only began referring to the glaze as their “Standard Glaze” in 1900. This process was comparatively expensive; it was technically challenging to achieve and many of the pieces taken out of the kiln were defective. In the “Mahogany” version, the decorator airbrushed the slip yellow-tinted background onto a red clay body. Unlike traditional glaze decoration, which is actually a kind of glass, slip decoration is made from colored clay and adheres tightly to the clay surface onto which it is applied.
Like many of its counterparts, this vase features a floral motif. The trumpet flower on this vase was a popular flower in Victorian gardens and would have been easily recognized by its intended consumers: the rapidly growing American middle class.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
maker
Rookwood Pottery
ID Number
CE.393577
catalog number
393577
accession number
208838

BALS SULPHUR SUCCIN

This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The label reads BALS SULPHUR SUCCIN in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Balsamum Sulphuris Succinum, a balm of sulphur and amber.
Description
This blown and molded square–shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and rounded shoulders. The label reads BALS SULPHUR SUCCIN in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The jar would have contained Balsamum Sulphuris Succinum, a balm of sulphur and amber. The balm would have been used as a tonic, emmenagogue, or anti–hysteric.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0306
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05455
collector/donor number
SAP 164
catalog number
1991.0664.0306

Sèvres porcelain vase and stand

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
ID Number
CE.P-1065
catalog number
P-1065
accession number
225282

ESS SERPENT

This free-blown glass container has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel circular shield is flanked by green leaves. At the top of the shield is a red crown with a yellow orb.
Description (Brief)
This free-blown glass container has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel circular shield is flanked by green leaves. At the top of the shield is a red crown with a yellow orb. Below the oval shield is the coat of arms for the Duchy of Saxony Marseburg and the house of Marseburg. Due to a crack that bisects directly through the left pendant the coat of arms is somewhat obscured. The shield is marked in red and black ESS/ SERPENT.
In the Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue, George Urdang notes that this jar was made prior to 1738, as the dukes of Saxony no longer resided in Marsebreg after that date.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1738
ID Number
1991.0664.0226
catalog number
M--05374
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 83
catalog number
1991.0664.0226

ESS B PERUVIAN

This square blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and a flared collar.
Description
This square blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and a flared collar. The container is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche that is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers, and the baked enamel label is marked ESS B PERUVIAN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0201
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05349
collector/donor number
SAP 58
catalog number
1991.0664.0201

TRA ACRED

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a wide neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a wide neck and flared lip. The white baked enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. Above the shield is a yellow crown. The label has the alchemical symbol for powder at the top, with a symbol similar to the number 9 followed by the text TRA ACRED.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0369
catalog number
M-05518
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 230
catalog number
1991.0664.0369

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0931
collector/donor number
SAP 1019
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06327
1991.0664.0931

OL ANETHI

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked OL ANETHI in black, with the first letter in red.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label surrounded by a gold and brown escutcheon with a crown at the top. The label is marked OL ANETHI in black, with the first letter in red. The bottle would have contained oil of anethum, or oil from the dill herb. The oil of anethum was often prescribed for its carminative properties.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0452
catalog number
M-05601.02
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 313
catalog number
1991.0664.0452

Bottle

This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.Currently not on view
Description
This blue and white bottle has a flared mouth and is marked "1705.” Urdang attributes this bottle to Verona.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1705
ID Number
1991.0664.0620
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05832
collector/donor number
SAP 544
catalog number
1991.0664.0620

BUTYR ANTIMON

This blown and molded square glass jar has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and a circular glass stopper. The number "13" has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel label is flanked by blue flowers on the sides and top, and a blue ribbon sits on top of the label.
Description
This blown and molded square glass jar has a narrow neck, a flared lip, and a circular glass stopper. The number "13" has been etched into the stopper. The baked white enamel label is flanked by blue flowers on the sides and top, and a blue ribbon sits on top of the label. The label readsBUTYR ANTIMON in black text. This jar would have contained butter of antimony (antimony trichloride), which was used as a caustic. Antimony tricholoride is toxic and is used today as a flame retardant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0420
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05569
collector/donor number
SAP 281
catalog number
1991.0664.0420.01
1991.0664.0420.02

OL PETERA

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an applied neck and flared collar. The clear glass is decorated with a white baked enamel cartouche on a blue background, framed by a yellow C scroll design and capped by a crown.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has an applied neck and flared collar. The clear glass is decorated with a white baked enamel cartouche on a blue background, framed by a yellow C scroll design and capped by a crown. George Urdang, author of The Squibb Ancient Pharmacy Catalogue attributes this bottle to the Court Pharmacy of Pillnitz. It is marked in red and black OL PETERA. The bottle would have contained Oleum Petera, or Peter’s Oil. Petra is Latin for rock, so this is rock oil, commonly known as petroleum. Petroleum was used as an antispasmodic, a liniment, and an expectorant.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0187
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05335
1991.0664.0187
collector/donor number
SAP 44

SP MINDER

This square, blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and flat collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche, framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. It is marked SP MINDER in black.
Description
This square, blown and molded glass bottle has an applied neck and flat collar. The bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche, framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow and red flowers. It is marked SP MINDER in black. The bottle would have contained Spirits Mindererus, a solution of ammonium acetate. It was used as a cathartic to stimulate the bowels and as a diaphoretic to increase perspiration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0210
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05358
collector/donor number
SAP 67
catalog number
1991.0664.0210

OOL PERFOL EXPR

This square-shaped blown and molded jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black OOL PERFOL EXPR.Currently not on view
Description
This square-shaped blown and molded jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black OOL PERFOL EXPR.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0279
catalog number
M-05428
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 137

OL: CARVI

This square bottle with its separate dome–shaped cover probably contained an extract made from caraway seeds. The baked enamel label is marked, "OL: CARVI." The bottle would have contained Oil of Carui, or oil of caraway seeds.
Description
This square bottle with its separate dome–shaped cover probably contained an extract made from caraway seeds. The baked enamel label is marked, "OL: CARVI." The bottle would have contained Oil of Carui, or oil of caraway seeds. This oil was used as a stomachic (to improve appetite and digestion), a carminative (to ease flatulence), or as a diuretic.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0461
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05610
collector/donor number
SAP 322
catalog number
1991.0664.0461.01
1991.0664.0461.02

Apothecary Bottle, TINCT MART T LUD

This blown and molded drug jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black TINCT MART T LUD.Currently not on view
Description
This blown and molded drug jar has a baked enamel label marked in red and black TINCT MART T LUD.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0253
catalog number
M-05401
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 110

ELIX ACID DIPP

This blown and molded bottle has a naqrrow neck and a flared lip. The baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads “ELIX ACID DIPP” in black text, with the first initial of each word in red.
Description
This blown and molded bottle has a naqrrow neck and a flared lip. The baked enamel label is framed by a Baroque style blue and yellow cartouche. The label reads “ELIX ACID DIPP” in black text, with the first initial of each word in red. The bottle would have contained Dippel’s Acid Elixir, which consists of 1 part sulphuric acid, 5 parts spirits, and 2 parts kermes and saffron. Johann Conrad Dippel (1673–1734) was a German alchemist who is credited with several alchemical recipes. Dippel’s Acid Elixir was used as an astringent or antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0299
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05448
collector/donor number
SAP 157
catalog number
1991.0664.0299

Meissen quadrangular bottle (Hausmaler)

MARKS: “46” impressed in unglazed base.PURCHASED FROM: Adolf Beckhardt, The Art Exchange, New York, 1943.This bottle is from the Smithsonian’s Hans Syz Collection of Meissen Porcelain. Dr.
Description
MARKS: “46” impressed in unglazed base.
PURCHASED FROM: Adolf Beckhardt, The Art Exchange, New York, 1943.
This bottle is from the Smithsonian’s Hans Syz Collection of Meissen Porcelain. Dr. Syz (1894-1991) began his collection in the early years of World War II, when he purchased eighteenth-century Meissen table wares from the Art Exchange run by the New York dealer Adolf Beckhardt (1889-1962). Dr. Syz, a Swiss immigrant to the United States, collected Meissen porcelain while engaged in a professional career in psychoanalysis and the research of human behavior. He believed that cultural artifacts have an important role to play in enhancing our awareness and understanding of human creativity and its communication among peoples. His collection grew to represent this conviction.
The invention of Meissen porcelain, declared over three hundred years ago early in 1709, was a collective achievement that represents an early modern precursor to industrial chemistry and materials science. The porcelains we see in our museum collections, made in the small town of Meissen in Germany, were the result of an intense period of empirical research. Generally associated with artistic achievement of a high order, Meissen porcelain was also a technological achievement in the development of inorganic, non-metallic materials.
The bottle (its stopper is missing) was made in the Meissen manufactory but painted outside by an independent artist. Hausmalerei is a German word that means in literal translation ‘home painting’, and it refers to the practice of painting enamels and gold onto the surface of blank ceramics and glass in workshops outside the manufactory of origin. Beginning in the seventeenth century the work of the Hausmaler varied in quality from the outstanding workshops of Nuremberg, Augsburg, and Breslau (now Wroclaw in Poland), to the less skilled efforts of amateur artists. Early Meissen porcelain was sought after for this purpose, and wealthy patrons of local enameling and gilding workshops purchased undecorated porcelain, often of out-moded or inferior quality, which was then enameled with subjects of their choice. Hausmalerei was at first acceptable to the early porcelain manufactories like Meissen and Vienna, and Meissen sent blank porcelain to Augsburg workshops for decoration, but as the market became more competitive they tried to eradicate the practice. It was a temptation for Meissen porcelain painters to take on extra work as Hausmaler to augment their low pay, and the manufactory cautioned or imprisoned them if Hausmalerei activity was suspected or discovered.
The bottle follows the shape of Japanese prototypes in the collection of the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland August II (1670 -1733). In Japan this form had its origin as a flask for rice wine or saké, and the shape was a success in reproduction at Meissen, sometimes painted in imitation of the Japanese Kakiemon style, or with European subjects. This bottle was decorated in the Netherlands in about 1740-1750, although the Hausmaler is not known.
Dutch Hausmaler enameled large quantities of Chinese and Japanese porcelain imported from East Asia by the United East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-indische Compagnie), and they enameled European faience and porcelain as well. The quality of the Dutch Hausmalerei was not as refined as Meissen imitations of the Japanese Kakiemon style as this bottle shows, but at its best Dutch enameling can present difficulties in distinguishing East Asian decorative work from that of Holland. The objective was to sell these items at the higher prices obtainable for Japanese Kakiemon porcelain.
On Hausmaler see Ulrich Pietsch, 2011, Early Meissen Porcelain: The Wark Collection from The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, pp. 43-46, and the examples of similar saké bottles on p. 530.
Hans Syz, J. Jefferson Miller II, Rainer Rückert, 1979, Catalogue of the Hans Syz Collection: Meissen Porcelain and Hausmalerei, pp. 568-569.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1740
ca 1740
maker
Meissen Manufactory
ID Number
1992.0427.21
accession number
1992.0427
catalog number
1992.0427.21
collector/donor number
401

ESS MUERREN

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar’s label reads ESS MUERREN.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. The baked white enamel shield is framed by stylized blue leaves with yellow and red flowers. A yellow crown sits atop the shield. The jar’s label reads ESS MUERREN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0363
collector/donor number
M-05512
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 224
catalog number
1991.0664.0363

ESS CROC

This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label encircled by a stylized golden wreath. A red bow is at the bottom of the label, and a crown with a red interior at the top.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped glass bottle has a narrow neck and a flared lip. It has a baked white enamel label encircled by a stylized golden wreath. A red bow is at the bottom of the label, and a crown with a red interior at the top. The label is marked ESS CROC in black text. The bottle would have contained the essence of crocus, obtained by steeping the crocus sativus flowers in an alcohol solution. The essence of crocus was used as an aromatic, cordial, narcotic, antihysteric, and emmenagogue, herbs used to promote the flow of blood.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0459
catalog number
M-05608
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 320
catalog number
1991.0664.0459

Apothecary Bottle, SPIR: LAVEND

This blown glass bottle is marked SPIR: LAVEND: The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests.
Description
This blown glass bottle is marked SPIR: LAVEND: The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests. Lavender was used as a medicinal by mixing it with other herbs. It was also used to cure headaches, apoplexy and loss of speech.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0478
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05627
collector/donor number
SAP 339
catalog number
1991.0664.0478

NAPHTA OI.

This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel oval cartouche outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers and a three pointed crown. The label reads NAPHTA Ol. Naptha is a crude oil found in natural gas and coal tar.
Description
This blown and molded square-shaped bottle has a baked enamel oval cartouche outlined with blue vines, red and yellow flowers and a three pointed crown. The label reads NAPHTA Ol. Naptha is a crude oil found in natural gas and coal tar. As a distilled product it was used internally as a cathartic, and externally as a liniment.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0383
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 244
catalog number
1991.0664.0383

SP VITRIOL ACID

This square blown and molded bottle has a flared collar and a glass stopper. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche. The white circle is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow flowers and red ribbon. It is marked in black SP VITRIOL ACID.
Description
This square blown and molded bottle has a flared collar and a glass stopper. The glass bottle is decorated with a baked white enamel cartouche. The white circle is framed by stylized blue leaves and yellow flowers and red ribbon. It is marked in black SP VITRIOL ACID. Spirits of Vitriol Acid was imbibed as a tonic or applied topically as an astringent and an antiseptic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0218
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05366
collector/donor number
SAP 75
catalog number
1991.0664.0218.01
1991.0664.0218.02

Florentine Bottle

This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.Currently not on view
Description
This free blown green glass container has a long neck, a slightly flared lip, a round squat body, and a twisted spout. Florentine bottles were used for the distillation of flower oils.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th-18th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0932
collector/donor number
SAP 1020
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06328
1991.0664.0932

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