Miniature Teacup and Saucer

Public Domain

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CultureEnglish

Titles

Miniature Teacup and Saucer

Datec. 1800–1810

Made inEngland

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (lusterware)

DimensionsTeacup: 1 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 1 7/16in. (3.8 x 6.7 x 3.7cm)
Saucer: 7/8 × 4 in. diameter (2.2 × 10.2 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Mrs. F. L. Andrews

Object numberB.70.73.1,.2

Not on view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThough the technique was centuries old, production of shiny, metallic lusterware began in Staffordshire near the end of the 1700s. Potters applied metallic oxides to the glazed and fired wares, and then fixed the metallic layer with another firing at a lower temperature. Platinum oxide produced silver luster; gold oxide produced gold, bronze, or copper luster effects. Pink luster relied on gold and tin oxides. The luster could be applied freehand, with the use of stencils and resist patterns, and with mottled or blotchy effects.
ProvenanceMrs. F. L. Andrews, Houston; given to MFAH, 1970.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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