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Tortoise-Shell Ware

The surface of this kind of ware is mottled by the use of colored glazes of a rich brown or of a mottled purple and green color. This style of decoration as well as the agate was used by Thomas Whie1don, and they were both improved by Wedgwood during his apprenticeship, and it is known that he used them for knife hafts amongst other things. Plate No. I I. shows some interesting specimens of Whieldon’s work. All these pieces show good taste and very careful modeling, and point to the fact that clever workmen and designers were at work in the Staffordshire potteries at an early date.