Plate

Frainer Steingutmanufaktur, Frain, Moravia, ca. 1838

Lead-glazed earthenware (creamware), transfer printed decoration in blue.

H: 23 cm

Markings: WEDGWOOD KK imprint

UMP 7017

This plate from the Frain factory presents a marina by F. Scala surrounded by a broad floral band. The scene is a typical model called Ferrara, combining a view of an Italian port and boats, a motif often used in English transferware.

Creamware started to be produced in the Czech lands in the late-18th century following the development of the creamy lead-glazed earthenware in England. Its composition was quite similar to porcelain; unlike faïence, it did not contain sand, but rather ground quartz, feldspar, and sometimes kaolin, producing a cream-coloured body which did

not have to be covered with tin glaze like faïence, but could instead be decorated with transparent glaze. Although it is not completely non-porous, it is far lighter than faïence and as the name implies, creamware is snow-white, light, and elegant, typical for the forthcoming Neoclassical aesthetics. (lmp)