Vintage "The Hancock House" Blue Transferware Bowl by Johnson Brothers

Presented is a blue-glazed transferware bowl, by the famous British potters Johnson Brothers. Made in England, this bowl comes from their “Historic America” line of ceramics, with the specific pattern celebrating the historic Hancock House in Boston, Massachusetts. The rim of the bowl is decorated with an acorn and leaf border. 

One of the grandest homes in Boston before the American Revolution was the estate of Thomas Hancock (1703-1764), a publisher who later became a merchant who imported and exported for the British Empire. In 1744, Thomas’s brother John died, and his seven-year-old son, also named John Hancock, moved to Boston to live with his uncle in the Hancock Manor on Beacon Street. John Hancock eventually took over his uncle’s business and inherited the Hancock estate. Hancock eventually became one of the most well-known Patriots and fought for independence from Britain, famously signing the Declaration of Independence with his iconic signature. John Hancock became the first governor of Massachusetts, and won every term he ran. Massachusetts did not have a governor’s mansion, but Hancock’s estate served the purpose well, receiving distinguished guests from Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington.

British Staffordshire potteries such as Wedgwood and Johnson Brothers capitalized upon the surge of popularity of American history after the Centennial of 1876 and again during the interwar period. Johnson Brothers’ serial pattern “Historic America,” introduced in 1938-39, celebrated early American history with idyllic and patriotic 19th-century themes. Scenes were modeled closely after iconic engravings by 19th century publishers, such as Currier and Ives, and subjects were chosen for how they reinforced Americans’ sense of national identity and pride.

CONDITION:

Good condition. Blue printed transferware bowl. Stamped on back with eagle, title, and "Johnson Bros. England" patent number. Small stains and surface scratches on back, front is very clean. 

Dimensions: 1 3/4" H x 6 1/4" W x 6 1/4" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.