Mochaware Mustard Pot with Dendritic Decoration

Circa First Half 19th Century: Arguably the most desired mocha and other dipped and engine turned wares by today's collectors are those with dendritic or tree-like ornamentation, and this 2.5" tall (to top of finial) lidded mustard pot is a fine example of this type of English soft paste porcelain made for the early 19th century American market. Lidded pieces of mochaware are scarce, and this small piece has an amazing seven dendritic decorations that fully encircle both the jar's lid and base. Decoration also includes a cobalt upper rim, dark brown stripes, a light brown ground beneath the dendritic splotches, hand applied finial and handle, all on top of the standard white slip used on the period's soft paste tableware. Because soft paste porcelain was used as daily dinnerware, of much of it survived, especially in good condition. The jar's lid is in excelllent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs, and the base has a small filled in flake on the inside rim and three small flakes on the lower rim. Overall, this gorgeous mustard pot is in remarkable condition and is a rare 200 year old survivor.