Red earthenware ceramics, such as this jar and lid, were the Tupperware of their time. These jars could have held any number of items, most commonly dry kitchen goods. A lead glaze allowed for decoration, typically with white or yellow slip-watery clay that could be applied, not unlike frosting a cake. This glaze also prevented contents from leaching into the ceramic. While not original to the piece, the lid is similar in size, style, and shape to one that would have likely accompanied the jar. This example is attributed to Nathaniel Seymour, a potter active in West Hartford between 1810-1830. WDS Collection 1980.21