Mochaware Creamware Mug Made in England circa 1800 Decorated with “Seaweed”

Made in England circa 1800, this exquisite mug is decorated with three milk chocolate-colored slip bands, each band with midnight brown “seaweed” over the slip. The brown bands are highlighted by a band of green glazed rouletting along the mug’s top and base. The seaweed-like pattern results from a dynamic process in which the contact line between two liquids, the acidic dark brown coloring, and the alkaline slip below becomes unstable. The acid/base chemical reaction drives the instability. To make this design, the lathe turner removed the bowl from the lathe. Then he dipped his brush into the dark brown acidic concoction and touched the brush just outside the bottom edge of the brown slip bands, whereupon the dark brown coloring ran quickly spreading to form the “seaweed.”

Dimensions: 6″ diameter x 4″ tall

Condition: Excellent