Cream pitcher and three tea cups with saucers

1830-1860

Measurements

.1 creamer: 4-1/2 in x 4-1/2 in x 3-3/8 in (dia); .2a-.4a cups: 2-3/8 in x 4 in (dia); .2b-.4b saucers: 1-1/4 in x 5-5/8 (dia)

Materials

Glazed refined white earthenware

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, bequest of Ethel Frankau

Accession Number

1971.258

Condition Notes

Saucer 1971.258.2b has repaired cracks and a small fill.  Saucer 1971.258.4b has a rim chip.  All objects have minor staining; the creamer has some roughness on the handle.

Provenance

These objects were bequeathed along with a teapot, lidded sugar, and a tea cup and saucer from another, similar tea set decorated in aubergine (accession no. 1971.257).

Comments

The objects in this partial tea set, namely a cream or milk pitcher and three handle-less tea cups and saucers, were cast in molds and then decorated in a manner popularly called "spongeware" or "spatterware."  The red-colored glaze was applied with a sponge, and the eight-pointed blue star centered on each object was hand-painted.  The decorated bodies were then covered in a lead glaze with a blue tint, inspiring the marketing term of "pearlware."  Pearlwares were conscious efforts to imitate more expensive Chinese porcelains.  

Sponge-decorated wares were popular among Pennsylvania-area consumers.