High relief portrait of Grant in civilian dress within open olive wreath on mottled ground, friezes with scrollwork above and below; design repeated both sides.

This exceptional large ceramic pitcher was likely produced for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, which introduced majolica to America. Grant is an unusual human subject for this style of pottery, which is typically decorated in floral or animal motifs. The heavily applied garish colors, characteristic of majolica, contrast with the sober likeness of the sitting president. A superb piece of 19th century art pottery and political Americana, with typical glaze crackle but otherwise free of defect.