Mug

Description

Sometimes called lead-glazed blackware, most ceramics of this general type were made in Staffordshire, England, during the mid to late 1700s. Jackfield, in Shropshire, England, was another producer but made much lower quantities than did Staffordshire. Recent research relating to the original ownership of a blackware jug inscribed “C Guest,” and featuring similar multicolor ornament, help link it and this mug to Shropshire. (The jug, possibly painted by the same hand as the mug, was sold at Halls Auctions, Shrewsbury, England on September 15, 2021, lot 279.) 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.