1955.0011 Blackware jug
  • 1955.0011 Blackware jug
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Jug (Pitcher)

  • Category:

    Ceramics

  • Place of Origin:

    Staffordshire or Shropshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

  • Date:

    1750-1775

  • Materials:

    Earthenware (blackware); Lead glaze

  • Techniques:

    Thrown, Extruded

  • Museum Object Number:

    1955.0011


  • Complete Details



Object Number

1955.0011

Object Name

Jug (Pitcher)

Category

Ceramics

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Henry Francis du Pont

Place of Origin

Staffordshire or Shropshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Date

1750-1775

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Below lower terminal of handle; A small circle is impressed. (Mark?)

Materials

Earthenware (blackware); Lead glaze

Techniques

Thrown, Extruded

Dimensions (inches)

7 (H) , 5.75 (W) , 4.75 (Diam)

Dimensions (centimeters)

17.78 (H) , 14.605 (W) , 12.065 (Diam)

Measurement Notes

Width measurement includes handle and spout.

Object Description

Web - 02/16/2021

Sometimes called lead-glazed blackware, most ceramics of this general type were made in Staffordshire, England, during the mid 1700s. (Jackfield, in Shropshire, England, was another producer but made much lower quantities than did Staffordshire.) The glossy dark appearance of blackware was achieved in either of two ways: a nearly-black earthenware body was covered in a clear, yellowish lead glaze; or, a dark red earthenware body was coated in lead glaze that was tinted dark brown. Although such wares now typically display an overall shiny appearance, many originally bore “cold painted” (unfired or low-temperature-fired) ornament inspired by the appearance of popular Asian lacquerwork. However, cold-applied designs did not adhere well to the glaze surface, and over time many wore away, leaving an uneven appearance. Some 20th century collectors chose to rub away the remaining, deteriorated color decoration, in favor of an overall more mirror-like, reflective appearance.