Creamware

Refers to English earthenware that is cream-colored with a transparent lead glaze dating from the second half of the 18th century; it also refers to imitations of this English ware. It was originally developed by Staffordshire potters, who were experimenting to find a substitute for Chinese porcelain. Around 1750 they created a a fine white earthenware with a rich yellowish glaze; the ware had a light body and clean glaze, making it desirable for domestic ware. At the time, the cream color was considered a fault; as an improvement, Wedgwood introduced a white to bluish white product called "pearlware" in 1779. It was produced for nearly a century. Creamware, however, continued to be made throughout the 19th century and later.