RARE Circa 1760 Thomas Whieldon "Tortoise" Bowl in Brown & Green on Creamware

Description

We have a  Fabulous Spongeware Majolica bowl in brown and green with a swirled edge, probably made by Thomas Whieldon circa 1760.  He produced early creamware and was the greatest experimenter of the age.  He apprenticed Josiah Wedgwood and John Greatbatch.  He used mostly browns and his pieces became known as "Tortoiseshell".  This bowl has seen considerable action over the years; light scratches all over the bottom inside of the bowl, two large chips on the rim and six smaller ones.  A crack has been repaired with staples on the back and there is one tiny chip under the rim; also a chip on the base.  The bowl measures 9.6" across and is 1.5" deep.  On the main photo, the stapled crack is a 6 o'clock; the large chips are at 2 o'clock and 4:30 o'clock.  If you place this bowl in a holder with the chips on the bottom, they don't show.  Thanks for taking a look !