Pitchers, late 18th-early 19th century

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China
Porcelain; H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm), Diam. at upper rim 4 7/8 in.
Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven, Conn.), 1939.80a, 1939.80b
The trade in export porcelain to Europe, England, and -- after the late 18th century -- the United States, made it possible for many households to display and use Oriental porcelains. This pair of pitchers has a history of having been owned by Franklin; if so, they could only have been bought at the end of his life. If they were owned in Franklin's family, it is more likely that they were purchased by his daughter and son-in-law.
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