1989.137, Plate, c. 1755, Staffordshire, England, salt-glazed stoneware

During the early 18th century, English potters adopted the old German technique of throwing salt into the kiln when it was hot. The salt vaporized, leaving a clear matte glaze, as seen on this dish. The white color is actually that of the stoneware clay, which produces a hard, non-porous body when fired and shows through the clear glaze. The introduction of stoneware, and later creamware, were great advances because plain earthenwares which preceded them absorbed liquids and bacteria into the clay body once their glaze coverings were chipped. By the 1750s, England was producing some of the finest salt-glaze ware in Europe; this particular dish is an exceptional example. Not only does it have elaborately molded rococo decoration, but it is pierced as well. Few English pieces so completely embody the fluid lines and grace of the rococo age as does this plate. Hard and durable, this English salt-glazed stoneware was used by the American colonial elite in the mid-18th century.

Until 1989: Collection of Wynn A. Sayman, Richmond, Ma

1989: purchased from Early English Pottery & Porcelain (Wynn A. Sayman) [1]

From 1989: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Anne J. Stewart, "Lot for a Little" Fund

[1] See invoice #1508 dated October 24, 1989 and check #047936  in Collections Records Object File 1989.137

Apply to objects where number equals 1989.137