Mug thumbnail 1
Mug thumbnail 2
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Mug

ca. 1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Morocco (made)

The style of this unglazed cup is characteristic of ceramic ware produced in Rabat, Morocco. These wares were decorated with tar made from the sap of conifers. Used for drinking water, the slight porosity of these cups helped keep their contents cool. This cup was donated to the V&A by George Maw, founder of Maw & Co., a British manufacturer of ceramic tiles.

Object details

Categories
Africa
Ceramics
Object type
Mug
Materials and techniques
Unglazed earthenware decorated with tar
Earthenware
Wood Tar
Brief description
Unglazed earthenware mug, Rabat, Morocco, ca. 1870
Physical description
Unglazed earthenware mug with straight sides and one handle. Decorated with geometric patterns in fine lines of dark brown/black.
Dimensions
  • Height: 14cm
  • Diameter: 9.5cm
Gallery label
These objects show two types of urban pottery from Morocco, traditionally made by men. The unglazed wares were decorated with tar derived from the sap of conifers, which was dabbed on with the finger by the pottery vendor while sitting at his stall. The glazed jars are examples of production at Fez, where blue-and-white became characteristic in the late nineteenth century.
[60 words]

Again acquisition by Maw helps us date them.

5. Mug
Morocco, Rabat, about 1870
Unglazed earthenware, decorated with geometric patterns in tar
Museum no. 252-1872. Given by George Maw, Esq., F.G.S., F.S.A.

[Text prepared by Mariam Rosser-Owen for new Ceramics galleries, 2008]
Credit line
Given by George Maw
Object history
Accessions register entry: 'Mug. Unglazed terra-cotta, with black painted decoration. Moorish (Rabat). 1860-70. H. 5 5/8 in., diam. base, 3 ¾ in. Given by G. Maw, Esq. [in hand - Broseley] [additional label pasted in - 'Mug, unglazed earthenware. Moroccan (Rabat); about 1860-70. Given by Mr. G. Maw']'
Summary
The style of this unglazed cup is characteristic of ceramic ware produced in Rabat, Morocco. These wares were decorated with tar made from the sap of conifers. Used for drinking water, the slight porosity of these cups helped keep their contents cool. This cup was donated to the V&A by George Maw, founder of Maw & Co., a British manufacturer of ceramic tiles.
Collection
Middle East Section
Accession number
252-1872

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Record createdJune 26, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O157574/mug-unknown/
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