This creamware egg cup rewards close examination by revealing a combination of sophisticat...

This creamware egg cup rewards close examination by revealing a combination of sophisticated and naïve elements characteristic of much eighteenth century earthenware. The triple row of round and oval piercings--occupying a daringly large portion of the cup surface--is a fairly remarkable achievement. A second look, by contrast, reveals repeated irregularities indicating use of some sort of handmade die on a wheel or "roulette." However, the section of reeding, the little ring detail at the top of the stem, and the rope edge of the foot give evidence of a potter who, if he had not worked with more elegantly styled wares, was familiar with them.

The color of the egg cup's clay body is an additional intriguing element. By the 1770's an...

The color of the egg cup's clay body is an additional intriguing element. By the 1770's an ideal pale ivory color characterized the creamware market.  Given this insight, it is natural to assume this piece dates from the 1750's-60's.  However in a recent presentation on British creamware for the American Ceramic Circle, Amanda Lange of Historic Deerfield  (Deeerfield, Ma.) pointed out that the color is a function of the amount of iron in the clay.  Continuing further, she noted that this warmer color is found in wares dating as late as  the end of the eighteenth century.  As pointed out above, the design of this piece indicates both familiarity with more sophisticated, urban forms and the high level of skills necessary to produce them.  Perhaps the warm color will prove key to identifying either our as yet un-identified potter or the locale he was working from.