Design for an ewer

This was one of a series of diagrams made by Ralph Wornum as visual aids to lectures on ornamental art given at the School of Design at Somerset House and in the Provinces between 1848 and 1850. The fine earthenware now called 'Saint-Porchaire' was much admired in the 19th century as a prime example of the best of Renaissance ornament. Only a small number of pieces was produced (64 recorded) due to the technical skill involved. They were considered as luxury objects from the 16th century. Only the aristocracy owned examples, which included cups, salts, candlesticks, bowls, ewers and tazze (e.g. tazza, c. 1540; London, V&A). In the 19th century the wares were copied by such factories as the Minton Ceramic Factory in England.