Mochaware Pitcher Decorated with “”Trees” and Seaweed” England, circa 1810

Made in England circa 1810 this mochaware pitcher is decorated with “Trees” and “Seaweed.” It is molded in an elegant shape with an extra-wide mouth probably made this way so that pieces of fruit in a punch could pour out. The pitcher has bands of orange-brown slip decorated with both “Trees” and “Seaweed”. These dendritic designs are part of what make mochaware is unique. The design is formed by using small amounts of an acidic dark brown liquid and carefully dropping this liquid onto the alkaline orange slip before firing. The resultant chemical reaction causes the tree-seaweed pattern. Because the patterns are caused by chemical reactions each one is unique. The managers of mochaware factories often only specified the style of the work but gave each turner some freedom regarding the choice of design and colors. On this pitcher, the slip bands are separated by six thin bands of impressed white pearls and two white bands of impressed waves.

Dimensions: 6.75 inches tall x 7 inches deep x 4.5 inches diameter at widest point

Condition: Excellent with very slight fritting and toning along the top edge.