Innocence is a Lovely Ornament, Early 19th C. Canaryware Child's Mug

Another embodiment of my never ending obsession with very old things bearing phrases that feeling newly resonant in the present. Very early 19th century, this is a scarce one, and early children's mugs in brilliant canary yellow tend to be the more precious among them. Originally, and especially as a lesson for children, "Innocence is a Lovely Ornament," would have signified the attractiveness of innocence, a trait to be held onto and cherished--but now, I can't help but to read the "lovely ornament" as describing a luxury and happy indulgence of another era --i.e. innocence is a lovely ornament, but knowing is essential. Really, I think there are few things better to collect than these, vessels of many sorts at once! And it looks like there is a sweet, very tiny very old rim repair to this one, where one single flower/finial on that top border was repainted.  2 1/4" t x 2 1/8" d x 2 3/4" across at handle. Overall very good antique condition, with general wear and the one tiny rough sp