LOWESTOFT CHINA.
Jug, decorated with floral festoons at rim, and having medallion with inscription: “Sam Cubitt Lowestoft 1772.”
Mug, inscribed: “Mary Curtis.
May love continue
Aand happiness increase
Live in Love and die in peace
1792.”
Both decorated in blue overglaze.
There is an interesting mould for an oval perforated basket, such as Bow and Chelsea produced, with diamond spaces to be cut out; and upon one of the fragments of a mould for a sugar basin appears the most delicate tracery and exquisite designs in leaves and scrolls, and prominent among the decoration is the Japanese chrysanthemum.
All East Anglians and lovers of old Lowestoft will be pleased at this piece of new evidence in favour of the theories held concerning the old factory, whose reputation has been well-nigh blasted by thousands of spurious imitations made in France—literally covered by vulgar design and more vulgar coats of arms.
We are able to reproduce some genuine old Lowestoft. A remarkable piece is the old mug, about 6 in. high, depicting an old fishwife with bellows under her arm, and holding a spit of herrings. This is decorated in blue and white. On the reverse side of mug is a fishing boat. At the bottom it bears the name “John Cooper, 1768.” Under the scroll of the handle are the letters “R. P.,” probably signifying that it is the work of Richard Philips, a painter at the Lowestoft factory. Unfortunately it is damaged, as will be seen by the illustration, but for all that it is a specimen of considerable value. The jug we illustrate, having the “Mandarin” decoration common to Worcester and Bristol, is a fine example of Lowestoft under-glaze blue painting. It bears the figure 5 upon it as a mark. It may be observed that many of the Lowestoft pieces of blue and white bear a striking resemblance to old Worcester. At first blush one is inclined to believe them to be Worcester, but the blue is not quite the Worcester blue, and the glaze tells its own story. There are pits and dimples, and little raised surfaces here and there, particularly under the bases of cups, that are characteristic of Lowestoft.
LOWESTOFT BLUE AND WHITE JUG (5 IN. HIGH).