Plate
MakerProbably made by
Staffordshire potteries
English, 17th century-present
Date1750-1775
MediumMold-formed cream-colored earthenware with a lead glaze and polychrome mottling
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 9 5/8in. (24.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Etta Corlies Chapman
DescriptionRound, cream-colored earthenware plate with a mottled, polychrome glaze, a type of ceramic known as "Tortoiseshell" ware. The plate has raised decoration on an undulating rim, consisting of curved long and short lines creating the appearance of a feather edge. The plate is decorated on the top with metallic oxide sponging in copper green and yellow, with manganese brown on the bottom, all under a clear lead glaze. There are many light scratches on the top and bottom of the plate, and some crazing where the glaze is thickest. There are two small round spots on the top of the plate where the creamware is revealed below an interrupted glaze. This probably occurred at the time of manufacture. Additionally, there are three small chips in the rim.
Object number1956.47.2
NotesHistorical Note: This plate is representative of a popular type of ceramic, tortoiseshell wares, that were popular in the Connecticut Valley between 1750 and 1780. The Valley's merchants purchased tortoiseshell and other ceramic wares from wholesalers in New York and Boston. By the late 1780s, residents of the region preferred creamware. (Source: "The Great River" exhibition catalogue, number 284). (Hunt 11/16/2004)Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
