An Antique English Creamware Greatbatch Fruit Basket Tea Cannister in coloured under-glaze with metallic oxides, c1770-82
Dimensions: 5" H x 3 1/2" W
Condition: minor restoration to neck; rubbing to one corner of base; missing cover
Literature: "Most fruit basket wares were coloured to some degree. White the ware was in biscuit state, the moulded fruit within the basket was picked out in yellow, brown, green, and grey...as can be seen in the photographs here. Colours were applied under-glaze in the form of metallic oxide slips which flowed upon being glazed and fired. Even so, the method of application is not always disguised. The coloured slips were painted on to the pot in short brush-strokes sometimes, but not always, respecting the outline of the fruit. Sherds of biscuit wares which have been coloured show quite clearly the way in which the painting was done; the short strokes are quite visible prior to their flowing during glazing. The covers of fruit basket wares were coloured in the same way, although here is is the outline of the basketweave which is picked out, with the central area being left plain." Source: Pages 243 and 244 William Greatbatch A Staffordshire Potter by David Barker.
For similar tea cannister see Plate 159, page 243 in "William Greatbatch A Staffordshire Potter by David Barker"
