RECONSTRUCTING THE PAST CERAMICS FROM THE ASHLAND PRIVY

PRIVY ON THE ASHLAND ESTATE DURING EXCAVATION

ARTIFACTS FOUND IN THE PRIVY

BACK AT THE LAB, ARCHAEOLOGISTS SORT FRAGMENTS TO RECONSTRUCT ARTIFACTS

PIECES OF A PUZZLE

CERAMIC TRADEMARKS One reason archaeologists try to reconstruct broken items is to see if they have a trademark, which indicates who made the piece. In the early to mid-nineteenth century, trademarks on porcelain ware were particularly important. Chinese potters had been producing porcelain for centuries (which is why it is often referred to as “china”), but the trade was new in Europe and non- existent in the US. To be certain they were buying genuine porcelain, not a cheap imitation, buyers looked for trademarks.

FORMAL DINNERWARE Formal porcelain dining set from the early to mid-19th century. Note the gold leaf and “C” (for Clay) monogram. P. Neppel of Paris, France made this set. The Clays would have used it for elegant dining occasions and to show off the family’s wealth.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT PORCELAIN? Porcelain is generally produced from a clay called kaolin combined with other materials. Dishes are formed using molds and then heated to extremely high temperatures (over 2500 degrees F) to attain the strength, shine, and translucence for which it is prized. A second firing at a lower temperature was needed to add gold leaf. In the 19 th century, porcelain manufacture in France was tightly regulated and highly prized. Even today, many people treasure their “good china” and use it only on special occasions.

A CERAMIC MIXING OR SERVING DISH, PROBABLY MADE LOCALLY FROM RED CLAY. In Henry Clay’s day, plastic and stainless steel kitchenware were not available. Ceramic kitchenware, like this vessel, was commonly used. People likely considered this vessel simply functional kitchenware. Still, the artisan did take time to embellish the surface with a scraffito (incised) design. Today, we would consider handmade dishes like this works of art. Would you consider this art?

EVERYDAY DISHES? Dishes like this were imported from Europe, probably England. They were manufactured using a process called “transfer print.” This pattern, known as the blue willow pattern, was especially popular among the upper classes who could afford imported dishes.

CHAMBER POT This large chamber pot also is transfer printed and was imported. It was used as a chamber pot. Do you know what a chamber pot is used for? Why would the Clay’s have such a fancy chamber pot?

IS IT ART? Blue willow ware was commercially manufactured using molds, and decorated using a transfer print process to create identical patterns. Locally manufactured pottery was handmade and decorated by hand. Which is art? Both? Why? Would our thoughts today differ from the values of people in Henry Clay’s day?

PREPARED BY JUDY SIZEMORE 2011 Kentucky Archaeological Survey Jointly Administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council (State Historic Preservation Office) and the University Of Kentucky Department Of Anthropology Funding Provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Photo Credits: All images provided by the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, Ashland Archaeology Project Consulting Archaeologist: Dr. Kim A. McBride, Kentucky Archaeological Survey