George Washington: Rare Circa 1795-1800 Ceramic Sugar Bowl....

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George Washington: Rare Circa 1795-1800 Ceramic Sugar Bowl. A classic example of Castleford pottery, which first appeared between 1770 and 1790, and is named after the manufacturing town in Leeds, England. They are distinguished by their plain, white paste construction. Generally, they were decorated with Classical subjects, although a small number, such as the present copy, carried portraits of Washington or Franklin, Miss Liberty, or heraldic eagle, which would make them suitable for export to the growing American market. This bowl has a gold-colored, military portrait of Washington with the initials "GW" below. On the reverse side is a gold heraldic eagle, of the style appearing on the reverse of U.S. gold coins from 1795-1807.

Condition is basically excellent. There are two fine vertical cracks at one end, but they are located so as to be unseen when viewing either the portrait or the eagle side. One tiny chip on the lip is noted purely for accuracy. The lid is clearly correct for the piece, as the vine decorations match. However, the bowl itself has gradually aged in tone (probably cleanable by a good ceramics conservator), while the lid remains the original bright white. Possibly the lid is a replacement from another piece, or perhaps the bowl was long used in its open state, while the lid was stored away and protected from aging.

This is one of the most affordable "period" George Washington display pieces, and has a very nice presence. Formerly in the renowned U.I. "Chick" Harris Collection. Length 5.75", Height 5.25" including lid.