Ewer

Date: ca. 1550

Culture: French, Saint-Porchaire or Paris

Medium: Lead-glazed earthenware inlaid with slip, with molded ornament

Dimensions: Height: 10 5/16 in. (26.2 cm)

Classification: Ceramics-Pottery

Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917

Accession Number: 17.190.1740

Description

This ewer is one of the largest and most impressive examples of a low-fire white pottery made in France in the middle years of the sixteenth century. Known as Saint-Porchaire ware, this group of elaborate and often architectural pieces is distinguished by the complex interlace designs of colored clays inlaid into the cream-colored earthenware body. These wares were believed to have been produced in the town of Saint-Porchaire in western France, but a Paris origin has also been suggested due to their technical sophistication and the ambition of their designs.

[Jeffrey H. Munger, 2011]

Related