Pistol

There is more to this Ceramic Sauce Tureen than meets the eye. Beyond the flowers and gold trim, Parisian ceramics like this one would have been both a symbol of prestige and a statement for Americans in the early 19th century. English goods dominated American markets prior to the revolution, as American colonists' tastes leaned towards their mother country. The war disrupted this trade relationship however, and even after peace in 1783 many Americans continued to reject English products over French ones. French classical styles grew popular as they became an emblem for the new American republic. Favoring Parisian ceramics allowed Americans to circumvent buying English goods while also recognizing France’s support of Americans during the war. As a result, France’s porcelain trade with the US was thriving by 1800 and Parisian ceramics became indicative of one’s prestige. (Antiques) 

Being an Englishman, one can only speculate over George Clarke’s motives for choosing Parisian ceramics in favor of English ones when he acquired this Tureen and its dinner service in 1833. (Bill) It  was a product of parisian manufacturer Marc Schoelecher, although this particular service is notable as one of the few documented Paris porcelain services not bought in France. Rather, Clarke purchased it from the retailer Baldwin Gardiner at a “Furnishing Warehouse” in New York City. No matter Clarke’s intentions however, this ceramic tureen and its dinner service would have been both a beautiful as well as meaningful addition to his dinner table. (Antiques)