Scottish Pearlware Macaroni Tea Canister by George Gordon, 1790s

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Description

A rare georgian scottish pearlware tea canister by george gordon's pottery at morison's haven, prestonpans, circa 1790. Gordon began production … Read more A rare georgian scottish pearlware tea canister by george gordon's pottery at morison's haven, prestonpans, circa 1790. Gordon began production there in 1772, while the bankfoot pottery was acquired only in 1795; this piece belongs to the earlier morison's haven phase.

the compact canted rectangular form is moulded in deep relief with fashionable "macaroni" caricatures. A gentleman in a high wig with his servant appears on one side, opposed by a lady and her attendant. These sharp little scenes translate the visual language of late 18th-century english fashion satire into a sculptural domestic object.

the piece has retained its vivid prattware colouring in cobalt blue, ochre, green and brown, with blue corner ornament and flowering side sprigs. The original coloured glazes are remarkably fresh and nearly complete, preserving the expressive modelling and costume details. Its rarity, unusually strong condition and graphic relief decoration make it an exceptional survivor of early scottish ceramic production.

dimensions: weight 190 g; height 12.3 cm; width 8.6 cm; depth 6.2 cm.

condition: very good antique condition. There are two small chips to the upper rim and a small loss of coloured glaze to the edge of the lady's nose. A fine hairline is visible around the lower rim; it is confined to the glaze and does not extend into the ceramic body. Uv examination confirmed that there are no further cracks, repairs or repainting.

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