Yellow Printed Brown Ware  

Defining Attributes

These wares, which appear rarely on North American postcolonial sites, are characterized by yellow (or orange) printed motifs on brown earthenware bodies.  The printed designs are typically Chinoiserie and include figures in oriental garb, pagodas, willow trees and junks (Lewis 1999:148).  Other designs include floral patterns and commemorations of Admirals Nelson and Collingwood.  Yellow printed brown ware has sometimes been referred to as Portobello ware (Rogers 2012).

Chronology

These English wares are rarely marked, but appear to date primarily to the first and possibly second decade of the 19th century (Lewis 1999, Rogers 2012). 

Description

Fabric
This refined earthenware is characterized by a brown or sometimes olive gray paste.

Glaze
This earthenware has a colorless lead glaze.  The hollow vessels are typically coated on the interior with a white slip.

Form
These wares have been produced as jugs, mugs, bowls, tea cups, sugar bowls and plates.  

References