Images(9)

Mug

Dateca. 1690

OriginEngland, London

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft / delftware / blue persan)

DimensionsH: 3 3/4"; D(with handle): 4 1/4"; D(body): 3 1/4"; Footring: 2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-37

DescriptionMug: short footring supports the bulbous-body that rises to a short cylindrical neck; a single loop handle attached at the lower part of the neck and the middle of the body, a scroll at the lower terminal. Decorated allover with a cobalt blue tin glaze painted on the exterior with splashes of white mimicking blue persan or blew de Neveres.Label TextThe concept of white decoration on a blue ground was derived by London potters from wares produced in Nevers, France, as early as the mid seventeenth century. The lineal decoration seen on some vessels (such as CWF accessions 1953-1029 and 1953-1030) and the white splotches on this mug are also found on French pieces. Fragments of vessels with this dark-blue ground and white splotches have been excavated at Jamestown in Virginia, but there is no way to determine if they are English or Continental. The term bleu persan is often used to identify this ware. The blue ground with decoration in white and other colors can be found on contemporary pieces made in Holland and Germany as well. The London attribution of the present mug is based on the shape as well as on the shade of blue.Inscription(s)NoMark(s)No