Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Pitcher, "Belmont Lodge"
1800-1820
Maker not marked
England
Creamware printed in black with gold leaf
overall: 9"h x 6-3/4"w x 9-1/8"d
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.1575

Transfer-printed Masonic creamware pitcher; gilding around spout, rim, handle, and base; printed image on one side text: "The World is in Pain / Our Secrets to gain / But still let them wonder & gaze on / For they ne'er can divine / The WORD nor the SIGN / Of a Free & Accepted Mason." Wreath surrounds text along with all-seeing eye with glory rays, floral border with cherub, plumb, moon, sun, "G" within star, square, compasses, Bible, ladder, etc.; beneath spout is printed "G" inside delta within square and compasses with ribbon; printed below in gold is: "Belmont Lodge / From / G. W. Withington / 1867"; on other side is standard image of Masonic symbols: checkered floor with J & B columns to left and right along with plant sprigs; between columns are three candlestands, coffin, star with inset "G", keys, acacia, rooster, beehive, open Bible with overlaid square and compasses, plumb, level, crossed quills, "Memento Mori" banner, 47th Problem of Euclid, sun, moon, and Hope, Faith, and Charity female figures; on bottom is sticker "708".

For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 144-145.