LEEDS CREAM WARE.
Seascape, and floral decoration in puce, green, red, &c. Painted by Allen at Lowestoft and refired there.
(In the collection of Mr. Merrington Smith, Lowestoft.)
In regard to subjects in colour it may be mentioned that a good many Leeds jugs bear names and dates upon them, from about 1769 to 1786. These enamel colours are green, red, lilac, and buff, and are not dissimilar to those employed at Lowestoft. We illustrate a fine Leeds mug with the characteristic twisted handle ([p. 303]), having Oriental figure in colour and dated and inscribed. The following curious and gruesome verses appear on it. Inside the mug is a modelled frog, as found in Sunderland examples.
"In marriage are two happy things allowed
A wife in wedding-sheets and in a shroud.
How can a marriage state be then accurs'd
Since the last days are happy as the first."
Then follows "I. C. U. B. YY for me" (I see you be too wise for me). "Samuel Cudworth, 1777."