Casgliadau Arlein

Large bowl, pale buff earthenware, standing on a broad cylindrical foot ring; the sides gently curved, then rising steeply, the outer rim heavily chipped; the whole body covered with a pale blue tin-glaze; the exterior painted in underglaze blue in chinoiserie-style with exotically plumed birds, insects, large-petalled Iris-type flowers and foliage; amidst this, the upper body of an Oriental figure, wearing a large flat hat, and an elaborately ruffled garment with wide sleeves, the figure gesturing to his side; behind him, two pillars topped with globes, conventional chinoiserie fencing and a large table; beneath the upper rim, a line and wave border; to the interior, in underglaze blue, a depiction of presumably a schoolroom scene; a seated figure in buttoned frock coat and knee breeches holds perhaps a fan, perhaps a sheaf of papers, in front of him a piece of furniture, probably a table, but perhaps a harpsichord or other musical instrument with a raised stand or lectern, around this are grouped five standing figures, similarly dressed to the seated figure, all facing forward, holding open books each with one leg crossed in front of the other and with the hand not holding the book resting on the skirt of the frock coat; the floor of chequered design, behind the figures a representation of panelling; all within a circular band with the inscription Edward Iones Scoole Mafter 1751 appearing at the botttom of the circle; to the upper interior sides, a border consisting of panels, containing floral motifs, reserved on a diaper ground, to the interior of the lip rim a thin bright orange line, much worn and chipped, the whole badly cracked and repaired.