McRea and Co. Jug
CultureCanadian
ManufacturedCornwall, Ontario, Canada
Datec.1867
MediumStoneware
DimensionsOverall: 37 × 21 cm (14 9/16 × 8 1/4 in.)
MarkingsInscribed "W.R. McRae & Co, Wine Merchant, Kingston, Canada West"
DescriptionFrom the sales record: I am only aware of two pieces of Canadian pottery marked 1867, with this being one. A 2 gal jug from W.R. McRae, wine merchant, Kingston Canada West. Orrin Ballard moved from St Johns Quebec to open his own pottery in Cornwall Canada West in 1864. This was a bold move as he put himself in direct competition with the Hart Potteries both in New York and Picton Canada West. The majority of stoneware used by Kingston merchants was bought from the Picton Pottery. This McRea jug is a clearly a Ballard piece both in form and decoration. I've sometimes referred to this design as the lobster, but it is clearly a monstrous flower. This flower contains a very special date, 1867, the date Canada became a country. No question this jug was decorated to mark the occasion. 13 1/2" tall. Near mint condition. A one-of-a-kind Canada West piece!
Credit LineThe Raphael Yu Collection
Object numberT10.6.375
Classifications
North AmericanSub-classification
CanadianCollections
Status
On view
Artist / Maker: Jones and Sons
ca. 1826-28
Object number: G13.15.24
Artist / Maker: Unknown Artist
ca.1840
Object number: G13.15.45
Artist / Maker: Unknown Artist
ca.1840
Object number: G13.15.44
