Archive for the ‘pepper/salt’ Category

Mocha ware pepper pot, c.1820

Sunday, April 24th, 2022

This baluster form redware pottery pepper pot was made in Britain during the first quarter of the 19th century. It is decorated in brown, pale blue, and cream glazes and features a tree (aka dendritic) pattern on the body and dome. Intricate inslip-inlaid checkered rouletting in black and cream decorates the top rim. Pepper pot stands 5.25 inches high.

After the original base broke off – I imagine sometime between the middle 1800s and the middle 1900s – this nicely proportioned turned wood replacement base was added. The warm color of the polished brown wood blends nicely with the natural redware glaze, making this distinctive repair unnoticeable at first glance.

This pepper pot, with similar form and decoration, shows what the original base on my pot might have looked like.

Photo courtesy of Skinner

Toby figural pepper pot, c.1870

Sunday, March 5th, 2017

This 5 inch tall figural pepper pot (also known as a caster or muffineer) in the form of Sir Toby Philpott, wears a tricorn hat and grasps a tankard of ale in one hand and a tobacco pipe in the other. It was made in Staffordshire, England, in the late 1800s, of polychrome glazed pottery and is part of a four-piece caster (also known as a cruet or condiment) set, which includes a mustard, salt, and vinegar.

This Toby originally stood on a round plinth base, which he jumped off of (or fell, or was pushed) at least 100 years ago. In its place is a nicely crafted silver replacement base, lending an air of elegance to this robust fellow.

This chap stands on his original base, although the crack at the bottom leads me to believe that he might be heading to the silversmith soon to be fitted for his own silver replacement base.

Photo courtesy of The Antique Shop

Leeds pepper pot, c.1830

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Provocatively profiled pearlware pottery pepper pot. This 4-3/4″ tall Leeds pepper shaker was made in the region of West Yorkshire, UK, known for quality pottery which once rivaled the wares of Wedgwood

With a cobalt blue 7-point star design on the top…

and a ribbed, feathered band around the middle

The original base has been replaced by a beautifully made tin replacement, painted to match the cream colored body, but now yellowed with age

A cork in the bottom allows this pot to hold and dispense the pepper once again

Another Leeds pepper pot with a more typical baluster form, maintains its original base

Photo courtesy of Prices4Antiques

Copper lustreware pepper pot, c.1840

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

In America, lustreware became popular in mid-19th century. During the Victorian period, a certain dinner party fad was to place lustreware pieces on a mirrored platform as a table centerpiece and watch the glow of gaslight sparkle and shimmer. This sturdy little pepper pot from England stands 4-3/4″ high.

The warm tone of the replaced carved wood base matches the copper color glaze.

This form is a copy of an 18th c. Georgian silver pepper pot.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Douglas

Creamware pepper pot, c.1790

Friday, March 19th, 2010

This tiny Wedgwood pepper pot was made in England in the late 1700’s and stands a mere 2-1/2″ high.

The beautifully scalloped and beaded sterling silver rim masks unsightly chips to the base.

A faint WEDGWOOD mark can be seen on the bottom of the pot.

A perfect, larger pepper pot with an unblemished base.

Photo courtesy of Starr Antiques

Leeds pepper caster, c.1820

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Baluster form pottery pepper pot from England with cobalt decoration, measures 4-1/4″ high.

A base carved from wood and painted blue to match the caster’s decoration replaces the original broken base.

Putty was added to the crudely carved wood base to adhere it to the bottom of the pot.

This Leeds pot with similar form and decoration has its base intact.

Photo courtesy of John D. Wahl Antiques