Thomas W. Commeraw, was a free African American potter during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Commeraw operated a on Cherry Street in Corlears Hook. He stamped his wares with his name and the workshop location. Like most stoneware of the period, Commeraw's vessels were largely utilitarian and embellished with incised decoration accented with a cobalt glaze. The distinctive foliate design found on both sides of the jar to the right are typical of Commeraw's wares and distinguish his vessels from those of other New York City potters of the early 19th century. Commeraw's is the largest body of work by a free Black potter during the antebellum period.
Learn more about Commeraw with this video and see more of his pottery below.
