Poet's Pitcher
Karl L. H. Müller
1875–86
Medium
Parian porcelain and glaze with gilding
Dimensions
H.: 218 cm (8 9/16 in.)
Classification
pitcher (vessel)
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
144346
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Union Porcelain Works was known for making doorknobs and other utilitarian objects before expanding into fine tablewares that could compete with imported products. Karl L. H. Müller, a German-born sculptor, was hired to design inventive works that went into production around the time of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. This pitcher, which depicts six poets in profile encircling the body of the vessel, received international acclaim, as did Müller’s other designs for Union Porcelain. ...