Union Porcelain Works, Union Porcelain Works, in conjunction with Gate City Stone Filter Company, and others
Water Cooler
1879-1889
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- Manufacturer: Union Porcelain Works
- Previously attributed to: Union Porcelain Works, in conjunction with Gate City Stone Filter Company
- Manufacturer: Gate City Stone Filter Company
Water Cooler
1879-1889
Physical Qualities
Glazed porcelain, unglazed stoneware, Fully assembled: 25 1/2 x 14 1/8 x 12 1/2 in. (64.8 x 35.9 x 31.8 cm) Basin: 8 7/8 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/4 in. (22.5 x 31.8 x 31.1 cm) Ice chamber: 13 1/4 x 14 1/8 x 10 7/8 in. (33.7 x 35.9 x 27.6 cm) Lid: 10 1/8 x 10 1/8 x 4 in. (25.7 x 25.7 x 10.2 cm)
Credit Line
Purchase with exchange funds from Bequest of Margaret D. Morriss; Charlotte B. Filbert Bequest Fund, Middendorf Foundation Fund, and Decorative Arts Acquisitions Endowment established by the Friends of the American Wing
Object Number
1999.145
Fish swimming in clear water, blooming flowers, butterflies, and a bird present an idealized landscape on this container for iced drinking water. In the 1880s, New York City was plagued by polluted water and soiled streets. The Board of Health began a city-wide effort to expand access to fresh water and underground drainage, but clean, cool drinking water remained a luxury for many citizens. This Union Porcelain Works cooler, featuring fashionable Japanese-style decoration, was marketed to wealthy families and hotels as a healthy water filtration system (see image).
Post Road Gallery, Larchmont, New York
Inscribed: BASE, top, back, (painted), 'GATE CITY/STONE FILTER/PAT. APL 20 83'
Previously attributed to
Union Porcelain Works, in conjunction with Gate City Stone Filter Company
1861–2000
1862-c. 1922
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