English Mocha Pottery Creamware Earthworm Jug

Details

Description

Elegant English Creamware Mocha Jug with 'Earthworm' Motif and Leaf Terminal Handle

This remarkable English Creamware jug, dating from circa … Read more Elegant English Creamware Mocha Jug with 'Earthworm' Motif and Leaf Terminal Handle

This remarkable English Creamware jug, dating from circa 1800-1810, is a superb and well-preserved example of early 19th century Mocha pottery, blending refined form with utilitarian decoration.

The jug is crafted from creamware, a lighter, more refined earthenware body, and features an elegant shape with a gracefully flared foot and a prominent pinched spout. A particularly fine detail is the applied loop handle, finished with a molded leaf terminal—a decorative flourish typical of the high-quality pottery of the period.

The body of the jug is decorated using the signature Mocha technique, organized into clear bands. Two wide molded bands flank the central decoration, featuring alternating lines of brown, blue, and white slip that provide a subtle, rhythmic contrast. The captivating central band showcases the highly desirable 'Earthworm' pattern. This unique, tri-colored motif was created by applying colored slip to the wet surface and then dropping a special acidic solution onto it, causing the slip to spread spontaneously into the mesmerizing, organic, worm-like channels. The effect is an appealing blend of industrial precision (the banding and form) and artful, naturalistic flair (the 'Earthworm' design).

Dimensions: 7 1/8 x 8 1/4 inches high x 6 inches deep.

Condition: Excellent antique condition, with an invisible, professional repair to a chip on the spout.

Historical Context: Creamware and the Early Mocha Tradition (Circa 1800-1810)

Mocha Pottery's Purpose and Name: Mocha pottery, also known as mochaware or dipped ware, emerged in the Staffordshire region of England in the late 18 th century. It was specifically developed as an inexpensive, durable, and brightly decorated ceramic for mass consumption. Its primary role was utilitarian, serving as pitchers, mugs, and bowls in taverns, pubs, and middle-class homes for serving ale, cider, and other daily beverages. The name 'Mocha' is generally accepted to derive from mocha stone (moss agate), a semi-precious stone from Yemen, which displayed similar branching, dendritic patterns.

The Significance of Creamware: This jug's composition is important: it is made of creamware, the light-colored earthenware perfected by Josiah Wedgwood. Creamware dominated the English pottery market from the mid-18th century until it was largely superseded by pearlware around 1800. The use of creamware places this jug securely in the earliest and most desirable phase of mocha production. The banding and the 'Earthworm' pattern were produced efficiently using a lathe, where the colored slips were applied while the piece spun. The spontaneous, chemical nature of the 'mocha tea' application meant that no two 'Earthworm' or 'Seaweed' patterns were ever exactly alike, lending even these mass-produced objects a unique artistic quality that makes them highly prized by collectors today.

(Ref: NY10653-pckx) See less