Transfer-Printed Ceramic Cup
What we have is a transfer-printed ceramic cup. What transfer-printed means is that an etching was made and covered in ink, then stamped onto a sheet of paper witch was then laid onto the unmarked fresh-from-the-oven ceramic cup.
Due to its widespread variability, the dating of transfer-print not an easy thing to do, especially since it has been in production for over 200 years. Thankfully we were able to discern that our transfer-print was probably from England and made in the 1800's-1840's.
Reconstruction
Original Condition: Number of fragments: 26
Steps to Reconstruction
- Lay the pieces out on a table. Number each of the pieces on the inside with a felt tip pen.
- Once you decide which pieces will fit together, apply a thin layer of glue on the seams. Don't use too much glue or the edges will crumble.
- Find two pieces that fit and hold them together for 15 seconds. Before connecting more pieces onto it let the glue dry for a minute so it doesn't fall apart.
- When you're rebuilding, build from the bottom up because it's easier.
- Once the object is complete use a toothpick to remove the excess glue from the seams, and let it sit overnight.