These stoneware apothecary jars feature a gravestone rubbing of a winged death’s head—a classic memento mori emblem found on 17th- and 18th-century New England headstones.
The original carving is attributed to the Lamson family of Charlestown, Massachusetts, whose distinctive skulls are known for their expressive eyebrow ridges that curve into hook-like ends and connect to the nose, along with a lip-like mouth mark above the teeth that gives the skull a striking, almost emotive appearance. Surrounding the skull are stylized flowers and vines—a hallmark of Lamson tympanum decoration.
I’ve adapted a vintage gravestone rubbing of this effigy into a silkscreen, then printed it onto speckled gray slipcast stoneware, cast from a vintage mold and glazed on the exterior for a glossy finish. The interior of the jar is unglazed.
Available in two sizes, each jar is a contemporary tribute to colonial gravestone carving across New York and New England, highlighting the distinct regional styles and individual artistry of early carvers.
The larger jar measures approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches tall with the lid on.
The smaller jar measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches tall with the lid on.
Please note: Each piece is handmade, and small variations are to be expected. The photos shown are representative of the design, but not the exact jar you will receive—making each item one of a kind.
These stoneware apothecary jars feature a gravestone rubbing of a winged death’s head—a classic memento mori emblem found on 17th- and 18th-century New England headstones.
The original carving is attributed to the Lamson family of Charlestown, Massachusetts, whose distinctive skulls are known for their expressive eyebrow ridges that curve into hook-like ends and connect to the nose, along with a lip-like mouth mark above the teeth that gives the skull a striking, almost emotive appearance. Surrounding the skull are stylized flowers and vines—a hallmark of Lamson tympanum decoration.
I’ve adapted a vintage gravestone rubbing of this effigy into a silkscreen, then printed it onto speckled gray slipcast stoneware, cast from a vintage mold and glazed on the exterior for a glossy finish. The interior of the jar is unglazed.
Available in two sizes, each jar is a contemporary tribute to colonial gravestone carving across New York and New England, highlighting the distinct regional styles and individual artistry of early carvers.
The larger jar measures approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches tall with the lid on.
The smaller jar measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches tall with the lid on.
Please note: Each piece is handmade, and small variations are to be expected. The photos shown are representative of the design, but not the exact jar you will receive—making each item one of a kind.
