Images(5)

Sugar bowl and cover

Date1765-1770

OriginEngland, Staffordshire

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, creamware with green

DimensionsOverall: 4 1/2in. (11.4cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Harry H. Coon

Object number2005-153,A&B

DescriptionCircular sugar bowl and cover molded to resemble the leaves and florets of a cauliflower. The exterior is ornamented with twelve green-glazed overlapping leaves beneath white florets on and below the cupped rim and low domed cover. The white floret knop encircled by six leaves left in white.
Label TextNaturalism was an important theme echoed in the decorative arts of the mid-eighteenth century. This fascination with nature was reflected in the types of ceramic wares produced throughout England. Staffordshire potters produced molded tea wares made to mimic the natural world including the coloration of tortoise shell, the look of agate stone, and many fruits and vegetables including cauliflower. This covered sugar bowl was made en suite with other cauliflower tea wares.

The green of the leaves was produced through the addition of copper oxide to the surface of the bowl and the white of the florets is the natural color of the refined earthenware clay. The entire body is coated in a lead glaze. Iron impurities in the glaze cause the white clay to have a yellowish cast.
ProvenanceHarry H. Coon Collection
Purchased from Helen McGhee, Palm Beach, FL