Paper Rack
ca. 1810 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The technique of adding a metallic layer to ceramics in a simple and relatively cheap way was developed by Staffordshire potters in about 1805. They applied a resin-based liquid containing a suspension of gold or platinum dissolved in aqua regia (a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids). During firing, the resin burnt away, causing a localised reduction and leaving a brilliant film of pure metal.
Gold resinate lustres took on a pink hue over pale earthenware. ‘Variegated lustre’,
which Wedgwood’s developed about 1810, contained gold, a small amount of tin and ‘sweet wort’ (used in brewing beer). It was applied with a feather.
Gold resinate lustres took on a pink hue over pale earthenware. ‘Variegated lustre’,
which Wedgwood’s developed about 1810, contained gold, a small amount of tin and ‘sweet wort’ (used in brewing beer). It was applied with a feather.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Lead-glazed earthenware, painted in lustre |
| Brief description | Paper rack or wall bracket, lead-glazed earthenware painted in pink lustre, made at the factory of Josiah Wedgwood, Etruria, Staffordshire, ca. 1810 |
| Physical description | Lead-glazed earthenware paper rack or wall bracket, painted in pink lustre |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'WEDGWOOD' (impressed) |
| Gallery label |
|
| Credit line | Bought from the Haliburton Collection |
| Summary | The technique of adding a metallic layer to ceramics in a simple and relatively cheap way was developed by Staffordshire potters in about 1805. They applied a resin-based liquid containing a suspension of gold or platinum dissolved in aqua regia (a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids). During firing, the resin burnt away, causing a localised reduction and leaving a brilliant film of pure metal. Gold resinate lustres took on a pink hue over pale earthenware. ‘Variegated lustre’, which Wedgwood’s developed about 1810, contained gold, a small amount of tin and ‘sweet wort’ (used in brewing beer). It was applied with a feather. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 168-1874 |
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| Record created | March 31, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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