Description:

RARE "J. SMITH THE MORMON PROPHET" WHISKEY FLASK
Mid-19th century. Figural and ironic Rockingham glazed stoneware Toby-style bottle in the form of Joseph Smith straddling a barrel, impressed details with the date 1830 (organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

As stated by John E. Kille via. Chipstone.org on a piece of the same making: "The impressed inscription “J. Smith/The Mormon Prophet/1830” seems a straightforward commemoration of Joseph Smith Jr., a religious visionary from Palmyra, New York, who in 1830 organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and published the revolutionary Book of Mormon (fig. 2). That the potter inscribed the message on a toper flask, however, makes clear the intent to lampoon rather than commemorate. The piece is a direct assault on “The Word of Wisdom,” a revelation Smith purportedly received at Kirtland, Ohio, in 1833, which advised against the consumption of wine, tobacco, hot drinks, and strong drinks." 9" height, 3.75" width

  • Condition: Small flake to the bottom edge.

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April 16, 2022 10:00 AM CDT
St. Louis, MO, US

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