Collections record Beta
Collection Record Detail
Object Name
Memory Vessel
Object Number
2023-26-1
Description
Memory vessel or jug made from mixed media and clay applied to an amber glass apothecary jar. Jar has an oval bottom, wide shoulders, and short neck. A thick layer of dark brown clay covers the outer surface of the bottle; bottom is uncovered. Pressed into the clay are fragments of ceramic goods, including blue and white ware, transfer-printed floral porcelain, the head of a ceramic pig (front side), and the handle of a toy teacup (rear side).
Provenance
From the Gustafson/Blakeslee family of Northfield, Connecticut. Believed to have been made by Hattie Davida Gustafson Blakeslee (1890-1963) or Christina Nilson Gustafson (1857-1931), possibly from ceramic fragments found in the family farm's trash pit or midden.
Comment
Based on embossed lettering on bottle bottom, it is likely a Vinol bottle, a medicine produced by Chester Kent & Co, Boston, MA. The bottle is pre-patent, with post-1898 examples including the patent and date on the bottom.
Category
Date Made
c.1900
Dimensions
Overall height 7.25", width 5", depth 3"
Social Tags (experimental)
