Origins of Pearlware
In 1779 Josiah Wedgwood invented “Pearl White,” which came to be known generically throughout the industry as pearlware, by tinkering with his creamware formula. Wedgwood added more white clay, flint and cobalt oxide to his glaze to achieve a whiter effect. He experimented with this body for five years before using it in production. Although he was never fully satisfied with the result, Wedgwood acceded to its use in order to compete with the white of other English hard paste porcelains, and the dead white of the oriental and continental porcelains.
Pearlware was produced into the 20th century and can be identified by it’s whitish color and by a green-blue concentration of glaze on that part of the ware which supported the piece in the kiln; for example, inside the foot-rim of plates. These wares were impressed “Pearl” from about 1840-1868, and with only the initial “P” thereafter.