A mysteriously tall draped figure, portrayed in loose brushstrokes of watery cobalt blue, seems to beckon us to enter a fenced compound that centers on a two level pagoda. One hand points; the other holds a parasol--perhaps to ward off the potentially bothersome flock of birds--indicated by the most minimal groups of dots--that fills the sky. Abstract representations of plants and rocks fill out the composition.

The wonderfully crisp molded earthenware plate is of a form known as "double swagged shell edge." Its features are highlighted by boldly brushed blue lines.

There are three other painted "Long Eliza" plates currently available from Seekers.

The "Long Eliza" pattern derives from an early eighteenth century Chinese porcelain pattern that was enormously popular in Europe. In England the pattern appears in porcelain and earthenware, tin and pearlware glazes, and painted and printed versions. The name is a corruption of the Dutch Lange Leizen, itself a nickname meaning tall maiden.

The nature of painted pearlware--and the absence of marks--makes attribution challenging, but also sort of fun. This plate has enough of the characteristic features to associate it with a group of unattributed wares known as the "Three-Dot Group." It also boasts an incised tear-shape workman's mark associated with the group.

For those interested in doing their own sleuthing, we recommend Lois Roberts' beautifully illustrated book, Painted in Blue: Underglaze Blue Painted Earthenwares 1775-1810, published in 2006 by the Northern Ceramic Society.