This border is part of our Mochaware collection designed by Kate Hawkins. Mochaware was a style of pottery that began in Staffordshire in the 1770s which eventually spread across the Atlantic to America. It was called mochaware because its decoration resembled the patterns found in moss agate also known as ‘mocha stone’, a semi-precious gemstone exported in large numbers from the port city of Mocha in Yemen.

This pattern is based on a simple quart mug with slip inlaid roulette band from 1800. The banded designs found in much of mochaware really lend themselves to wallpaper borders which are essentially just another form of banded decoration.

Kate became interested in mochaware not just because of its glorious decorative possibilities but also because of what it represented. The pottery was mass-produced, utilitarian and by 1814 inexpensive to make: it was democratic. There was nothing elite about it and as such it could be found in pubs and taverns across the country. It was made to be used, and in many cases abused, which is why much of today’s mochaware has chips and cracks and oh so many stories to tell. We hope this new collection will give you the means to tell yours.

This design is printed to order. Please order the correct amount of rolls needed to ensure continuity across batches.