[Clayart] earthenware dishes,

[mel jacobson]

the simple answer may be...a tight fitting colorful glaze.
I am sure that a great deal of those dime store dishes had
lead based glazes.

Think of all the small hand made dishes made by school kids.
Glazes from AMACO.  Kilns fired to like 06-08
Remember flesh colored glaze and band aides.???

Many of those treasures are still in boxes in attics all over
America.  (and think of the U.K., Earthenware was very popular.)

Those dishes were cared for, hand washed and dried with a towel.
I can see those lovely tea cups, hand painted flowers.

I have wanted to spend a year just making colorful earthenware.
I might just do that.
mel
A memory:  Sharlene and I drove up the East coast of England.
Stopped at Fred Nettleship's home. (cane handles.)  Yarmouth.
Had tea in soft pink cups, earthenware. He was a lovely man. His wife poured tea.
A note from Fred. "May our crafts blend together with beauty and
harmony".  Fred.

website: www.melpots.com
www.melpots.com/CLAYART.HTML