Reyware is distinguished from El Morro ware and other Spanish lead-glazed coarse earthenware by its hard, compact paste, and its smooth, highly reflective glazed surface. The production origins of Reyware are uncertain, and the timing of its appearance on archaeological sites in the circum-Caribbean area, as well as their similarity to English lead-glazed wares, may imply that they are of English origin.

This description of Rey Ware comes from the Historical Archaeology Digital Ceramic Type Collection maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Hard, compact orange or tan paste, fine in texture and with few apparent mineral inclusions. Vessel surfaces are well smoothed before glazing. Thick, well-bonded and very reflective lead glaze on both surfaces. Colors include brown, rust, orange, and occasionally olive green. Sometimes decorated with a swirled or mottled underglaze design in dark brown.