Mug, Precarious Chinaman

Item Number: J63
Shape Type: Mug
Pattern Name:  Precarious Chinaman
Date: c. 1795-1805
Dimensions: H 5.125″, D 5.32″
Maker:  Cambrian Pottery
Maker’s Mark: Unmarked
Description:
A tall pearlware cylindrical mug printed underglaze with a  line-engraved Precarious Chinaman pattern. The inner and outer borders are printed in the same geometric design. The pattern on the handle is made up of an interesting series of circles with at least four different designs and topped with a fan-shaped design feature.  The Precarious Chinaman pattern is based on a Jean Pillement design published in The Ladies Amusement dated 1759. This unusual pattern consists of three figures. The central figure, with a pointed hat, is seen precariously leaning against a decorative wall or fence. One of the other figures shades him with a parasol. The Precarious Chinaman pattern is known to have been used with different borders. In this example, the border pattern is repeated in two slightly stretched diamond patterns, each with an oval shaped floral cartouche in the center. These two patterns give the appearance of being added in order to fill the space between the central pattern that appears on both sides. Precarious Chinaman is a well documented Cambrian pattern, however this example is not marked.
Condition: Very Good. There is a tiny flake to the glaze on the front below the lower-most panel. There is also a small nick to the underside of the base.