Staffordshire slipware cup

Notes

This fragment is from cup form made form 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, a cup like this would be formed on the wheel, 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. For example, a simple trailed line just below the cup’s rim was created by careful pouring the slip onto the vessel surface.

A small hollow vessel such as this might be used to consume beverages, like cider or beer or simply water. Additionally, it could have served as a shallow bowl to consume food, porridges or stews for example, which could be spooned or sipped directly from the vessel, depending on its consistency. Slipware vessels were ubiquitous in eighteenth century homes and shops, and have been found at nearly every eighteenth century site at Mount Vernon.

Object Type

Ceramic

Has it Been Conserved?

No

Where Was It Found?

Project Site: House for Families    [more details]