Porcelain sherd (Archaeological Find)
Title:
Porcelain sherd
Subject:
Sitting elegantly on a wealthy Bostonian’s sideboard, a porcelain lidded container acts as a physical embodiment of wealth and status. Accompanying the container is a collection of porcelain tableware reserved for special occasions. The cupboard, located in the kitchen where guests are entertained, is the stage upon which wealth is displayed for those lucky enough to visit such a high-class estate. Inside of the expensive, foreign-made box is a collection of personal items such as a double-toothed comb, a signet ring, and a handful of silver coins. A container of this sort made a long voyage from China in the 19th century, partly explaining its steep cost and rarity in early colonial New England. Trade networks contributed most of the early ceramics to the area, the Chinese trade network being one of less attainable and therefore higher-valued networks. Puritan values in colonial New England first emphasized simplicity and plainness. Extravagant displays of wealth were not looked favorably upon. However, over time this perspective loosened and outward signs of wealth became more acceptable in society. Having both a practical purpose for storing items and a social purpose of representing the owner’s wealth, the Chinese porcelain container remains a rare and exciting find. In Harvard Yard, a porcelain sherd reveals the range of wealth of those at the Old College.
Description:
Blue and white, flat, triangular piece of Chinese porcelain. Slightly curved on the tip opposite of the design. Thickness increases towards this tip.
Source:
Hume, Ivor Noel. 1969. A Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Lockwood, Luke Vincent. 1913. Colonial Furniture in America. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Christie's Amsterdam B.V. 1995. The Diana Cargo. London, England: White Bros (Printers) Ltd.
Object Name:
Porcelain sherd
Inventory Description:
Triangular piece of porcelain with a blue and white hand-painted degraded spear and dot design
Peabody Number:
2016.29.34
Culture/Period:
ca. 1817
Intrasite:
H930, Feature 1, Level 3
Depth:
95-108cm
Class 1:
Ceramic
Class 2:
Porcelain
Class 3:
Sherd
Quantity:
1
Height (cm):
0.7cm
Width (cm):
6.0cm
Depth/Thickness (cm):
5.0cm