On several archaeology sites in downtown Savannah, I have a found a
mysterious decoration on several ceramics. It appears to be hand painted
purple. One shade of the purple is flat, the other is metallic/iridescent.
The mystery is that this decoration has been found on porcelain, creamware,
pearlware, and whiteware (or at least earthwares with blue and cream tinted
glazes).

I have posted pictures on my blog, http://savannahunderfire.blogspot.com.
The three sherds pictured were found in the 1980s and labeled "lustrous
manganese creamware" or "lustrous manganese pearlware" by a previous
cataloger. Can anyone identify this more specifically than "handpainted"?
 Does anyone have a time frame or TPQ for this type of decoration?

Many thanks!

Laura

Laura Seifert
Archaeologist/Museum Technician
Savannah History Museum
Coastal Heritage Society
303 MLK Jr. Blvd
Savannah, GA 31401
912-651-6850 (phone)
912-651-3651 (fax)
www.facebook.com/SavannahUnderFire
http://savannahunderfire.blogspot.com/
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