Blue-dash charger

The dish is a little out-of-true; probably the result of uneven shrinkage and warping during the drying out process prior to biscuit firing, rather than poor potting. Decorative charges, often with 'blue-dash' rims, were principally made for display, and we have complete examples in the collection as well as sherds from factory sites among our archaeological holdings. This charger was fired upside-down (this is evident from the way the lead-glaze has run on the back), resting on a special tripod whose points have created three scars on the decorative face. Little attempt has been made by the decorator/s to disguise them. The decorator/s were not perhaps the most accomplished; the uneven thickness of the lines for instance, shows where they had over-charged their brushes. The floral desgin has no counterpart in Italian maiolica but reflects the influence of Persian and Turkish floral forms (see discussion by Sir Gilbert Mellor, 'Bristol Delftware', TECC, no. 2. 1934, p 23); and perhaps also the tulip mania that swept Holland and England in the late 17th century. From its overall style and composition, the charger was certainly made in one of the London delftware potteries in Southwark; most probably Pickleherring or Montague Close, which were both active in the latter part of the 17th century. The Pickleherring output was noted for its use of blue and yellow glazes, geometric and floral tulip designs (see sherds in Archaeological Archives) and Pickleherring Inventory of 1699. The colour palette on this charger is a little unusual and the presence of manganese would suggest a post-1660 date.