Description: Unscalloped edge with simple, lightly impressed lines perpendicular to the edge. The rim can be either straight or angular. The painting around the edge can be simply a band of color, not following the impressed lines of the motif. Stylistic Genre: Shell Edge. Select Shell Edge plus the appropriate color (i.e. Shell Edge Blue,… Read more »

Description: The rim of the vessel is regularly scalloped (a series of repeating arcs), and the lines of the shell motif are straight (at right angles to the rim) rather than wavy.  The painting around the edge is sometimes only a simple band of color, with no attempt to following the impressed lines of the… Read more »

Description: Even scallop with wavy lines. The rim is regularly scalloped rather than undulating (think repeating arcs) and sometimes has intermittent molded “buds” as seen in Examples B and C. The wavy, engraved lines descending down from the edge complete the shell motif. Found primarily on pearlware, sometimes on early whiteware. Stylistic Genre: Shell Edge…. Read more »

Description: Rococo shell edge. The rococo style is the earliest of the shell edge designs. It includes an undulating rim and incised, wavy lines around the edge. The molded design is carefully painted blue or green, following the edge of the vessel. The shell design may incorporate a molded ‘bud’ at intervals among the wavy… Read more »

Description: This is any representation of shading; often it appears as an area of graduated parallel lines in Chinoiserie scenes. Stylistic Genre: The genre for this stylistic element depends on a combination of decorative technique, color, and element.  Cataloging Example for Depicted Sherd: Stylistic Genre Handpainted Blue Interior/Exterior Location Decorative Technique Color Stylistic Element Motif… Read more »

Description: This is usually represented by a shaded half-circle above some depiction of a horizon, such as hills or water. Stylistic Genre: The genre for this stylistic element depends on a combination of decorative technique, color, and element.  Cataloging Example for Depicted Sherd: Stylistic Genre Handpainted Blue Interior/Exterior Location Decorative Technique Color Stylistic Element Motif… Read more »

Description: The Scroll, trellis element resembles a cannon and is most often seen on Chinese porcelains. It is a cylindrical scroll with trellis decoration painted on it. Stylistic Genre: The genre for this stylistic element depends on a combination of decorative technique, color, and element.  Cataloging Example for Depicted Sherd: Stylistic Genre Handpainted Blue Interior/Exterior… Read more »

Description: A series of connected swirls facing one direction and bound by a band above and below. Stylistic Genre: The genre for this stylistic element depends on acombination of decorative technique, color, and element. Cataloging Example for Depicted Sherd:   Stylistic Genre Handpainted, blue Interior/Exterior Location Decorative Technique Color Stylistic Element Motif Exterior Proximal Rim Painted, under… Read more »

Description: A single plain band with alternating outlined scrolls (with no fill) oriented in opposite directions extending below it. A series of closely-spaced vertical lines fill the space above the swirls that are oriented upward. Stylistic Genre: The genre for this stylistic element depends on acombination of decorative technique, color, and element. Cataloging Example for… Read more »

Description: This band is characterized by large, swirls/curls of an incomplete scroll. Some are upside-down and others are right side up. These swirls lie between two thin solid lines. There may or may not be a solid colored background. Stylistic Genre: The genre for this stylistic element depends on a combination of decorative technique, color,… Read more »