Elizabeth Fox Brown Straw Hat

United States

Mid 20th century

  • Titles Elizabeth Fox Brown Straw Hat (Title)
  • Medium straw
  • Credit Line Gift of Alys R. Stephens, 1986.201.15
  • Object Name hat
  • Classification Costume

See More of the Collection

A figural jug depicting an African American man with exaggerated facial features particularly his caricatured lips nose and ears His curly hair is formed by incised repeating loops resembling scribbles He wears a cap hoop earrings shirt with a stand up collar and single visible stud or button cravat and a coat with broad lapels and buttons impressed with J LEHMAN the makers name A large buckle like square probably surrounded a paper label for whatever product the jug contained The figure has arms but no hands and is rendered to appear as if his hands are shoved in the pockets of his coat There are small air holes at the back of each arm to prevent an explosion during firing The jugs handle is a shaped like the number 9 and is finished where the tail of the handle meets the body of the jug with a mold formed grape and grape leaf motif found in some of Lehmans other decorated vessels There appears to be an oval incised on the bottom of the vessel
Two piece black moiré silk dress embroidered with bright red flowers comprised of bodice and skirt the bodice with high stiff straight collar and loose inset blouse of plain black silk with nipped waist and back tie with leg of mutton sleeves the tulip bell skirt with ruffled hem the back gathered at the waist and with a slight train
Blue appliqued flowers on white over another star patterned quilt
A pitcher with a handle in the form an oak tree bough its branches extending to form the lip of the vessel and foliage filled with oak leafs and acorns spreading across the vessel The pitcher commemorates Connecticuts celebrated Charter Oak a pre revolutionary symbol of American independence According to legend in 1687 Connecticuts Royal Charter of 1662 was hidden in hollow within the tree to prevent its confiscation by the English governor general