Ridgway Porcelain Teacup, Apricot, Periwinkle and Flowers, Regency circa 1820

This is a beautiful orphaned teacup made by Spode in about 1810. It bears a lavish Japanese-inspired Imari pattern. Spode was the great pioneer among the Georgian potters in England. Around the year 1800 he perfected the bone china recipe that has been used by British potters ever since, and he was also the leading potter behind the technique of transferware, making it possible for English potters to replace the Chinese export china, which had come to an end around that time, with their own designs. This was fundamental to a thriving industry that would last for about 150 years and provide half the world with their tableware. Spode porcelain is regarded as one of the highest quality porcelains around; for a soft-paste porcelain it is surprisingly hard and fine, and has a wonderful bright white colour. The pattern on this can is called "Dollar" pattern, a very famous pattern that was used by English potters in the 18th and early 19th Century. It is obvious why it is called “dollar” - but its origin is less obvious! It is thought that this pattern was derived from a very old Chinese pattern depicting a tree with elaborate foliage that hides a Chinese character representing longevity or happiness. Traditionally, this went with a an image called “Taotie”, which was used on very ancient bronze vases...

A teacup in the “melted snow” shape with double drop handles, pale yellow ground with rich gilt and cobalt blue acanthus pattern and finely painted flower reserves in centre of the t...

This is a very rare and beautiful teacup and saucer made by H&R Daniel some time around 1830. The set is potted in the plain variation on the "second gadroon" shape and is decorated ...

A teacup and saucer with ring handle, with green and pale yellow ground in Japanese style, and beautiful flower studies in the centre of each item and a little ladybird on the saucer...