I have heard several explanations, but personally, none convince me. Coysh and Henrywood in Vol. 1 of The Dictionary of Blue and White Printed Pottery 1780-1880 state the most common explanation: "The clay on the base of dishes has sometimes been combed to produce a ridged surface. This was done to reduce the likelihood of the dishes sliding about on the smooth marble, slate or stone slabs used to keep food cool in 19th century pantries."
|