On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Manufactured by
Unidentified
Designed by
Wedgwood, Josiah, English, 1730 - 1795
Date
early 19th century
Medium
cast iron with brass
Dimensions
H x W x D (a-c): 3 × 3 1/2 × 5 5/16 in. (7.6 × 8.9 × 13.5 cm)
H x W x D (lid): 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (1.3 x 8.9 x 14 cm)
H x W x D (box): 2 3/4 x 3 3/8 x 5 in. (7 x 8.6 x 12.7 cm)
H x W x D (roller blotter): 1 1/2 x 3 x 4 1/2 in. (3.8 x 7.6 x 11.4 cm)
Description
Cast iron desk box, holding a weighted roller blotter. The box bears an embossed representation of a man kneeling in chains, a famous design by Josiah Wedgewood for the English & Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. The single word "HUMANITY" appears below the figure and a raised, decorative border is around the edge. The box contains a brass topped iron piece with a slightly curved bottom.
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Movement
Anti-slavery movements
Abolitionist movement
Type
boxes (containers)
Topic
Antislavery
Design
Slavery
Social reform
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2012.46.1abc
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5739bec9c-09e9-42ee-90f7-5c614c51b90a

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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