Some unsung potter has left us a piece which can only be described by the phrase, "What Fun!"

The traditional pearlware jug is slathered with expanses of the blue ground pattern around the main body, collar and handle, making it come alive with a riot of pattern and color. The tangle of florals and vines is enhanced with green, yellow and indian red enamels. The decoration opens to a scenic vignette on each side: on one side two mandarins enjoy tea near a garden teahouse, on the reverse, naively painted pavilions perch beside a lagoon. Leaving little space undecorated, the potter finishes the piece with a swath of pattern around the inside of the collar.

In our experience, these dense chinoiserie patterns are limited mostly to pitchers (we have seen a vase once), although we find these pieces in both pearlware and bone china. Generally, given the naive quality of the transfer and bright contrast of the enamels, they must have been produced for the everyday use of the masses. Looking at them, one can not help but muse how these humble pieces must have brightened many a cottage mantle and everyday tea table.