Stamped Scottish Spongeware

Click photo to enlarge Photo: Stamped sponge plate rim

• Type: White refined earthenware
• Peak: c.1840-1920
• Place of origin: Great Britain, predominantly Scotland

Spongeware is pottery which has been decorated using a natural sponge. The sponge is used as a stamp with simple patterns and motifs cut into it, thus the term "stamped ware." This decorative method is often combined with hand-painting.

Most of the early examples were tea wares and were among the cheapest decorated vessels available. Later, cut sponged pottery was also used for tablewares and toiletwares.

Also see Scottish Spongeware.

See Cruikshank 1982: 1-7, 52-53

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