Pearlware

Pearlware is a term used to describe a wide array of ceramics developed in the last quarter of the18th century. It is said that Josiah Wedgwood developed pearlware and marketed the same in 1779. The impetus behind his invention was Lady Dartmouth’s comments - she was bored of the usual creamware body of the ceramics. He created the innovative pearlware using some soaprock and traces of cobalt oxide which produced ceramic in white colour. The new formula turned out to be the perfect base for bright coloured enamels. Later, many pottery makers began adopting the formula in the 19th century to make various ceramic wares.

Pearlware is quite similar to creamware in terms of properties, however it has bluish tinge. Pearlware gained immense popularity among pottery makers as it could be gilded, moulded, painted and pierced without much effort. Even today, pearlware is quite popular and more so, antique pearlware among collectors. One can find a variety of pearlware items like bowls, coffee pots, mugs, jugs, plates, tea bowls, which are beautifully painted in attractive colours. A variety of display pearlware items like animal figures and human figures are also available. Pearlware figures have intricate designs which reveal attention to detail. Blue coloured pearlware are extremely popular as they with a freshly painted and lustre. Figurines and crockery made of pearlware are highly sought after by collectors, especially the rare pearlware items.