The bulbous lower half of this graceful little creamer is ornamented with a neat band of vertical cut stripes, giving it a handsome finish not always found on pieces of such a diminutive scale.

The size of the creamer presents something of a puzzle--is it a toy or simply part of a very small set? The interior glaze, intended protect the slightly porous basalt from contact with liquids, suggests that the piece was made with function in mind. On the other hand, such a glaze might have still been included on a toy intended to teach grownup table customs.

In any case, the size, in combination with the jug's smooth curves and fine potting, makes the piece a pleasure to hold in the palm of one's hand.

The use of the oscillating lathe for "engine turned" decoration was perfected by Wedgwood in the 1760's and continued into the modern era. No other pottery employed it with such mastery or variety.

The technique was employed on a variety of stonewares--as demonstrated by an almost identical creamer in cane ware currently available from Seekers. (See fifth photo.) They make a charming pair.