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Earthenware Blue Albarello Jar with Silver and Gold Lustre
Earthenware Blue Albarello Jar with Silver and Gold Lustre
Earthenware Blue Albarello Jar with Silver and Gold Lustre

Earthenware Blue Albarello Jar with Silver and Gold Lustre

Maker (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1930 - 2020)
Maker (Aldermaston, Berkshire, 1955 - 1993)
Student (Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, 1890 - 1968)
Collector (London, England, 1929 - 2012)
Date1963
Object NameJar
Mediumearthenware and silver and gold lustre
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall (Height x Diameter): 230 × 140mm
Base (Diameter): 110mm
AcquisitionThe Sandy Dunbar Studio Ceramics Collection presented in 2023 by Crinan Dunbar and Rebecca Russell.
Copyright© the copyright holder
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS095708.70
About MeAn albarello is a form of pottery jar historically used to store the ointments and dry drugs used by an apothecary (now more often known as a pharmacist or chemist).

This earthenware albarello jar is decorated with blue glaze painted with silver and gold lustre Islamic designs. Lustre, a metallic surface on ceramics, is achieved when small amounts of metallic compounds (generally silver or copper) are painted over a base glaze and the piece fired for a second time. This produces a shimmering, iridescent effect.

Alan Caiger-Smith studied at the Central School of Art and Design in London before establishing the Aldermaston Pottery, Berkshire, in 1955. His work was influenced by the Roman pottery and tin-glazed Delftware collection at Reading Museum as well as medieval Islamic lustreware.