This is a Pennsylvania manganese decorated red earthenware measuring cup and storage jar, c. 1820-1850. It has a bulbous body with two incised lines at the shoulder and on the handle which comes off the shoulder and is very dainty for such a utilitarian piece.  It is 6" high x 4-3/8" in diameter at is widest part.

This unique piece is a rare survivor because of its hard use in the kitchen. These types of items were decorated, but were made for measuring liquids and dry goods in a regular home kitchen. We have very few items that show how the basic work of measuring ingredients in a kitchen was accomplished in early America. Few of these objects, especially when made of earthenware, survive because of hard, continuous use. This measure will be used to interpret early American foodways. We have very basic kitchen items, mostly cast iron holloware, tin and one bronze piece. We have very few pieces made of other common materials like red earthenware. This piece would illustrate the variety of pieces that were made from this very common material. This piece will also allow us to interpret households of moderate income.