Cistercian ware

Refers to lead-glazed English earthenware vessels with a red body and a brownish-black glaze commonly found near the sites of Cistercian monasteries in England. These vessels, often mugs and tankards, were mostly made during the early 16th century. Although most pre-date the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, a dated example of 1599 indicates continued production. Cups were the speciality of the Cistercian ware potters, but jugs, costrels, candlesticks, chafing dishes, salts and bowls were also produced. Most Cistercian ware is undecorated but some examples are distinguished by horizontal ribbing or by white slip ornamentation of rosettes or roundels. Potteries making these wares were located at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire; Tickford, Derbyshire; and Wrotham, Kent.