Staffordshire slipware marbled dish or plate

Notes

This fragment is a ceramic archaeologists refer to as North Midlands/Staffordshire type slipware. The word “type” is used here to denote the fact that coarse, slip decorated wares were actually produced in several regions of England throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth century. One feature that unites these traditions is the technique of applying slip, or a very liquid clay, to the vessel for decoration. During production vessels would be formed on the wheel or a mold, allowed to dry to a leather hard state, and then dark brown and white slips might be applied in a variety of stylistic elements to the vessel before it was dipped into a clear lead glaze and fired.

The decorative elements often took advantage of the unique properties of slip. Perhaps most difficult to execute well, this vessel was decorated with a marbleized element. In this process both dark and light slips were applied to the vessel, then quickly while both were viscous the object was joggled to create a haphazard intermixing of the slips. The result was a marbleized surface when dry. The rims of these vessels were often further embellished with an impressed or molded “piecrust” or crenellated edge.

This fragment is from a flatware form, possibly a dish or plate. Such vessels likely would have been used for both the preparation and serving of food at the table. Slipware vessels were ubiquitous in eighteenth century homes and shops, and have been found at nearly every eighteenth century site at Mount Vernon.

The vessel's paste appears to be an agate of the traditional buff color and a slightly pinker clay. All measurements were taken from largest sherd.

Object Type

Ceramic

Has it Been Conserved?

No

Where Was It Found?

Project Site: House for Families    [more details]