Pitcher, "Come Box the Compass"

1800

This transfer printed creamware pitcher is decorated on one side by a compass pattern and a commemoration to George Washington on the other. The compass design is headed by a scroll that reads “Come Box the Compass” while below is the text “Invented by Murphy a Dutchman AD 1229 first exhibited at Venice 1260 Improved by Giora of Naples 1309 its declination discovered by Hartman 1538.” The other side features an inset portrait of George Washington flanked by the allegorical figures of Liberty and Freedom. A twisting scroll around the portrait bears the names of 15 states, including misspellings of “Tenassee” and “Masachusett.”