The early years at the Wedgwood factory after its founding in 1759 saw an outpouring of innovative ceramic technologies and designs. Among the many inventions was pearlware. Josiah Wedgwood developed his pearlware glaze in 1779 as a white-ware alternative to his wildly popular creamware, or ‘Queen’s ware.’ The glaze, named “Pearl White” by Wedgwood and his partner, Thomas Bentley, had a slightly blue tint from cobalt. Unlike creamwares, pearlwares were almost always decorated rather than left plain. These pearlware urns are decorated with a mottled green and blue glaze meant to mimic porphyry, a precious hardstone found in the decorative arts of the wealthiest of households.
The early years at the Wedgwood factory after its founding in 1759 saw an outpouring of innovative ceramic technologies and designs. Among the many inventions was pearlware. Josiah Wedgwood developed his pearlware glaze in 1779 as a white-ware alternative to his wildly popular creamware, or ‘Queen’s ware.’ The glaze, named “Pearl White” by Wedgwood and his partner, Thomas Bentley, had a slightly blue tint from cobalt. Unlike creamwares, pearlwares were almost always decorated rather than left plain. These pearlware urns are decorated with a mottled green and blue glaze meant to mimic porphyry, a precious hardstone found in the decorative arts of the wealthiest of households.
Featured In
Condition
Excellent. Faint hairline to interior of one urn measuring 2.5 cm, not visible from exterior. Light staining to interior of both, including one darker area of staining, not visible from exterior. White decorative elements with traces of original gilding.
For a detailed condition report, please contact us.
References
Reilly, Robin. Wedgwood vol 1. London: Macmillan, 1989. Illus. plate C87.
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Excellent. Faint hairline to interior of one urn measuring 2.5 cm, not visible from exterior. Light staining to interior of both, including one darker area of staining, not visible from exterior. White decorative elements with traces of original gilding.
For a detailed condition report, please contact us.
Reilly, Robin. Wedgwood vol 1. London: Macmillan, 1989. Illus. plate C87.
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