This large Staffordshire mochaware bowl, made in the early 19th century, measures an impressive 11.25 inches in diameter. Its extraordinary size, exuberant swirling decoration, and beautiful combination of an amber ground with brown, midnight brown, and light blue cable decoration give the bowl a wonderful sense of movement and vitality.
The interior is extensively decorated with bold earthworm, or cable, patterns also in brown, midnight brown, and light blue. The looping patterns spread across the warm amber ground, creating a lively interplay of color and movement. The spontaneous, flowing character of the decoration is especially appealing, with the colors winding around one another in broad, sweeping curves.
The exterior is equally beautiful, with a broad band of swirling cable decoration extending around the middle of the bowl against a soft white ground. Above and below this central decoration are three narrow horizontal bands: two of deep midnight brown separated by a band of light blue. These finely defined bands frame the exuberant cable decoration and give the exterior a wonderful balance of color and pattern.
The bowl’s generous proportions, wide-open form, and substantial foot give it an impressive presence. Large mochaware bowls are uncommon, particularly those combining extensive interior decoration with elaborate exterior patterns. The combination of scale, color, and exuberant decoration makes this a particularly exciting piece of early Staffordshire pottery.
Dimensions: 11.25 inches diameter × 5.25 inches high
Condition: Excellent antique condition. A small star-shaped hairline on the underside has been invisibly restored.
Material: Pearlware pottery
Style: Mochaware
Origin: Staffordshire, England
Date: Early 19th century