Bonhams 1793 : A creamware double-walled dessert tureen, cover and stand, circa 1770-80

Of 'Melbourne type', formed of twelve fluted sides, the entwined handles with flower head terminals, the domed cover with a looped ropetwist handle also issuing flowers, the stand with a lobed rim, all with panels of intricate piercing, the tureen 23.8cm high, the stand 25.6cm wide (restoration to cover, fine crack in stand) (3)

Sold for £2,125 inc. premium

Footnotes

Illustrated by Roger Massey, Understanding creamware, Creamware and Pearlware re-examined (2005) p.23, pl.13. At one time this group was attributed to Melbourne on the basis of creamware shards found there, but these isolated fragments were not kiln wasters and there is no evidence for a Melbourne manufactory of creamware at this period. While a Yorkshire origin is likely, and Swinton has been suggested, the true identity of the 'Melbourne-type' creamware remains a mystery. Tom Walford wondered if his favourite group could be the missing creamware from the Rotherham Pottery, but this was 'only a guess, or perhaps a subconscious wish to put these elegant pots into a likely slot'.

Category: Decorative Arts / British Ceramics

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