CultureEnglish
Datec. 1750–1770
Made inEngland
MediumLead-glazed earthenware (tortoiseshell ware)
Dimensions6 1/8 × 3 3/4 × 2 3/4 in. (15.5 × 9.5 × 7 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.56.11.A,.B
Current LocationBayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Massachusetts Room
Exposé
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DescriptionIn the mid-1700s, English potters developed a light- or cream-colored earthenware body that when coated with a lead glaze, yielded wares with a glassy, shiny surface. Many potteries produced these wares, employing numerous techniques to decorate them. To create the irregular blotches of color on this cream jug, the potter sponged the surface of the once-fired ware with metallic oxides before applying the lead glaze. A second firing to fix the glaze completed the process. Called “Tortoiseshell ware,” this process was developed by Thomas Whieldon and used by Josiah Wedgwood for his early wares. Wedgwood continued to refine this pottery, which he later called “Queens’ ware” because of a commission he received from Queen Charlotte in 1765.
Provenance[Ginsburg & Levy, New York]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, April 24, 1956; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Exhibition History
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