English Pearlware Pottery Jug With Speckled Blue Glaze

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Description

Sapphire Speckle: English Pearlware Jug with Blue Speckled Glaze

This is an attractive English Pearlware Jug (often called a pitcher) … Read more Sapphire Speckle: English Pearlware Jug with Blue Speckled Glaze

This is an attractive English Pearlware Jug (often called a pitcher) dating to the late 18th century. It is a striking example of simple, utilitarian ceramics decorated with bold glaze effects.

Body Decoration: The jug's main cylindrical body is covered in a dense speckled blue glaze, applied over a white or creamware body. This deep, mottled blue effect is visually related to the wider category of Mocha Pottery and Dipped Wares, often referred to as "spongeware" or "speckled ware" in this strong coloration.

Form and Detailing: The jug features a classic, slightly tapered form with a flared rim and a broad, simple loop handle, which are left in the contrasting white pearlware. The spout area is adorned with a delicate, transfer-printed or hand-painted cobalt blue border featuring a scalloped or lace-like pattern. The underside of the spout incorporates a molded, stylized detail, likely a leaf or foliate design, painted with complementary blue accents.

Material: Made from Pearlware, a refined earthenware developed by Josiah Wedgwood that uses a faint cobalt wash in the glaze to achieve a brighter, cool-white appearance, which enhances the vibrancy of the blue decoration.

Origin: England (likely Staffordshire or Yorkshire)

Date: circa 1780–1800 (Late Georgian Period)

Material: Pearlware Earthenware, Underglaze Cobalt Blue (Speckled and Painted)

Condition: In original condition with no repairs, noting only minor frits (small chips) to the rim, consistent with age and use.

Dimensions: 6 inches (15.24 cm) High x 6 1/2 inches (16.51 cm) Wide (to handle) x 4 inches (10.16 cm) Deep

Provenance: The Sue Ellen Miller Collection

Historical Context: Utilitarian Wares and Innovation

This jug is a superb example of the functional yet decorative pottery made for the British and American mass markets, blending simple form with industrial-era ceramic artistry.

The Speckled Technique
The deep speckled blue effect was achieved by sprinkling or sponging cobalt-blue pigment onto the base glaze before the final firing. This provided an affordable, durable, and highly desirable alternative to the elaborate hand-painted patterns of expensive porcelain. This speckled ground often served as the foundation for the more famous decorative motifs of Mocha ware, although here, it is the primary decorative element, framed by the white pearlware bands.

Late 18th Century Design
The clean lines and tapered form place the piece firmly in the late 18th century, reflecting the prevailing Neoclassical preference for simple, well-proportioned shapes over the heavier, more elaborate forms of the preceding Rococo style. As a common household item, likely used for serving beer, cider, or water, it speaks to the elevated standard of everyday material culture during the Georgian period.

(Ref: NY9565-kknx) See less