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Lot 540: c. 1799 Masonic Liverpool Pitcher

Currency:USD Category:Pottery & Glass / Pottery & China Start Price:720.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Lot  540: c. 1799 Masonic Liverpool Pitcher
<b>Glass</b><hr><b>Reference to George Washington
”Memento Mori” & “The World Is In Pain” </b>

<b>c. 1799 Rare Masonic Liverpool Pitcher: “The World is in Pain...," Choice Very Fine+.</b>
9.75" tall Liverpool pitcher with wide, 6" base--an exceptional size--with three large Masonic theme prints in brownish-gray off-white ceramic. This large memorial piece references America’s most prominent Mason--George Washington--who died in December 1799. The main print includes scrolls with “MEMENTO MORI" in the center of several Masonic icons: two large Roman columns surmounted by robed figures, a large star inscribed with the letter “G” at its center several tools and icons of masonry, a large eye beneath a set of clouds, radiating rays, ruler and right angle, a checkerboard, and scrolls: “Amor, Honor," and words in Latin. Beneath the pitcher spout is a 5" high print of a gentleman seated by the side of a large coat of arms, between two pillars, beneath a radiant sun, etc. The large print on the other side of the pitcher features an oval with a print poem: “THE WORLD IS IN PAIN / OUR SECRETS TO GAIN / BUT STILL LET THEM WONDER & GAZE ON / FOR THEY NEVER CAN DIVINE / THE WORD NOR THE SIGN / OF A FREE & AN ACCEPTED MASON." The poem is surrounded by more Masonic icons and imagery: pillars, stars, figures, etc. Small edge chips in the base, glaze crackling and aging; top lip has a few small chips and brown stains. Some minor staining near bottom of one side of the pitcher and on handle; prints are a little light in places, but very attractive overall, with great references to passing of Washington!