18th-century Staffordshire Creamware Cauliflower Creamer Jug,
Probably by William Greatbach/ Josiah Wedgwood
Lead-glazed earthenware,
Circa 1765

The creamware creamer jug  has a baluster-form molded to resemble the leaves and florets of a cauliflower. The exterior is ornamented with four scrolling green-glazed leaves beneath white florets on the shoulder. The loop foliate handle is green-glazed.

Dimensions: 3 3/4 inches high x 4 inches wide x 2 1/2 inches (8.89cm high x 10.16cm wide x 6.35cm).

Condition: Good with invisibly repaired tiny chip to foot.

Colonial Williamsburg notes that naturalism was an important theme echoed in the decorative arts of the mid-eighteenth century. This fascination with nature was reflected in the types of ceramic wares produced throughout England. Staffordshire potters produced molded tea wares made to mimic the natural world including the coloration of tortoise shell, the look of agate stone, and many fruits and vegetables including cauliflower. This milk jug was made en suite with other cauliflower tea wares.

The green of the leaves was produced through the addition of copper oxide to the surface of the jug and the white of the florets is the natural color of the refined earthenware clay. The entire body is coated in a lead glaze. 

(Ref: NY10644-nrrr)