Sprigging (decorative)

Sprigging or sprigged decoration is an embossed decoration on pottery, usually press moulded shapes applied to greenware or bisque.

Clay body for the sprig is pushed into the mould, the back scraped flat, then released on a damp cloth pad. The greenware is wetted lightly with a brush, and the sprig is pressed lightly with another cloth pad to push out water and air.

The technique is generally credited to John Astbury, who applied the innovation to Staffordshire figures in the early 18th century. The technique was refined by Josiah Wedgwood for use on jasperware.

External links

* [http://www.darwincountry.org/explore/005004.html?sid=819d2c7e5b75d50aee8fa0480c5ef2e9 Image of James Dudson 'Fern Wreath' design jug with sprigged decoration of ferns and other plants] c.1870. Shrewsbury Museums Service. (SHYMS: C.1456/01)
* [http://www.boothemold.com/classroom/SprigMolds/Default.htm Working with a sprig mould (with illustrations).]