A pearlware Broth Bowl and Cover, attributed to Benjamin Adams, Staffordshire, circa 1809-20
This pearlware broth bowl and cover (ecuelle) is transfer printed with the Tendril pattern in underglaze blue. The rims, knop and two ear-shaped handles are picked out with ochre-brown enamel. Attributed to Benjamin Adams, the pattern is loosely based on a painted Kangxi porcelain design depicting trailing lotus flowers.
Unmarked.
Condition: Bowl – There is a very fine 1 cm glaze line to the inside rim of the bowl which does not go through. The well has very minor staining from use. There are two very small areas around the foot where the pearl glaze has retracted slightly during the firing process to reveal the biscuit body. One of these areas has a tiny filled chip to the foot rim. Typical crazing to the pearl glaze on the base. Cover – There is a tiny flat graze to the edge of the cover, and a small flat chip to the interior of the flange which has been filled. No other damage or restoration.
Dimensions: Height (to top of knop) 10.5 cm
The Dictionary of Blue & White Printed Pottery 1780-1880, Volume I, A.W. Coysh & R.K. Henrywood (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1995).