18th c. (1730 to 1770) Westerwald Blue Cobalt Pitcher

18th c. (1730 to 1770) Westerwald Blue Cobalt Pitcher.  These were very popuar in American and England in teh years leading up to the Revolution. Mostly made in Germany for the English market.  Higher neck indicates possible earlier manufacture.  3.25 in across 7 in. tall.  salt glazed pottery with cobalt blue decorative etched decorations.  Beautiful bright blue color. Manufacture of pottery for local distribution began as early as the 14th century east of the Rhine River in the south-west region of the Westerwald. Major expansion of the industry occurred when potting families from Raeren (in modern Belgium) and from Seigburg relocated chiefly to Höhr, Grenzau, and Grenhausen in the 1580s and 1590s. This pottery was imported through England to the Colonies by the well-to-do and pottery shards and complete vessels have been excavated in many Colonial sites including Jamestown and Williamsburg. In excellent condition, trifle rubbing at lip. From