The “JJ” monogrammed dinner service was made in the early 1770s, likely for the occasion of John and Sarah Jay’s wedding in 1774. It is Chinese export armorial porcelain, popular at the time. The pattern appears to be standard, with the monogram added for customization. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a set with this same pattern in their collection that belonged to Samuel Chase. The horn-handle silverware was purchased by the Jays in the 1820s. The dyed green look is achieved through a combination of verdigris, vinegar, and manure. See other objects from everyday life in the 18th and 19th century during our curatorial talk on Sunday, June 16th at 2pm.
