L
is for
LUSTRE-WARE
(or luster-ware if you live in the USA)
Pottery was glazed with a metalic finish, and this became popular in well-to-do houses. Displays of lustreware jugs brought a glow to a farmhouse dresser. Sometimes the technique was used to give a mother-of-pearl quality to the item.
Wikipedia has an article here.
I think I posted this jug last year some time. It was made in a local pottery, most likely Llanelly, and bought for me by my grandfather when I was a small baby. It's probably quite valuable now - but it's certainly not for sale!
I've shown this pie funnel before, as well. Although it's old, it's a relatively recent acquisition. Pie funnels were used to keep the piecrust from sagging into the filling, and to let the steam from the cooking escape. The ones I grew up with (which were still used at times) were much plainer items than this gorgeous copper lustre dragon!
This is an example of the mother-of pearl lustre. It's a fascinating fish-shaped jug (the tail is the handle.) The fascinating part is that it's a gurgle jug. The hollow of the jug goes right round into the tail/handle. When liquid is poured the displaced air makes a gurgling sound. I have to say that it doesn't pour all that tidily, but it's fun!
Denise started this great theme over two years ago.
Many more L posts can be found through the ABC Wednesday page.
