A type of English earthenware pottery, mochaware, first made in the late eighteenth century, is a multi-colored utilitarian pottery that features a wet-look surface decorated with crawling worms, cats’ eyes, seal life, rolling waves, alternating bands of color, trees and cross-hatches. It was imported into America during the nineteenth century and later produced here. Its name derives from “mukha” stone, a strain of moss agate found in the Yemeni city of Mukha. The stone features natural striations similar to the ware’s decorations.

Mochaware’s signature look was achieved by coating piecesin a runny mixture of clay and water known as “slip,” then applying a tea made of tobacco juice, turpentine, hops, and even urine. The resulting chemical reaction formed dendritic patterns in the glaze. Other designs were painted, scratched or stamped on with fingers, brushes, or other objects, resulting in a mulitiude of layers and colors.

Due to the hazards of daily use, relatively few examples of mochaware exist, and much of what remains is of imperfect condition.

Reference note courtesy of Skinner, auctioneers and appraisers of antiques and fine art, Boston, Massachusetts.