AN ENGLISH LEAD-GLAZED 'BORDERWARE' MUG CIRCA 1630-50 |

the bulbous body affixed with a loop handle, washed in a mottled brown glaze and applied with a wide shredded clay band.

Jonathan Horne, London, bearing label
Syd Levethan, through private purchase, March 1999
Vogel Collection no. 654

Glaze loss to top edge of rim, top edge of handle pierced which suggests the piece may have been mounted at some stage. Otherwise minor glaze loss.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

'Border ware' developed in the late 16th century in the borders of the Surrey and Hampshire counties to the south west of London. By the mid-17th century the type was being supplied in large quantities to the London market. In later years competition from potteries producing tin-glazed earthenware simulating porcelain, and the fine salt-glazed stonewares of Staffordshire led to its eventual decline.

Excavated mugs of this type are in the collection of the Museum of London, mus. ids. 21343 and A20317; a mug in the museum's collection features a green-glazed body, mus. id. A24351. A further green-glazed borderware mug excavated from a Yeoman farm at Lea Green, St Helens is in the National Museums of Liverpool.