Childs Ironstone Tea Set
Blue Aesthetic Transferware
DUCK POND BERRIES
Hope & Carter Staffordshire,England c 1860

This is a delightful mid-19th century childs ironstone tea set. The set is transfer printed in pastel country blue, abundantly decorated with a busy asymmetrical Japanesque pattern dating from the Aesethetic movement, complete with ducks swimming in a pond, bird in flight, flower blossoms, berries sunbursts and a patchwork array of Japanese family crests that look to the western eye to be geometric whimsies. A fine example of the Victorian love of nature and the exotic.

The set includes:
• Teapot, 4-1/2 inches tall
• Cream pitcher, 3-1/2 inches tall, and
• 5 Cups and Saucer Sets, 1-3/4 inches tall, 4 inches diameter (tiny nibble on top rim of one cup)

The tea set was made by Hope & Carter (formerly Pinder Bourne) from the Staffordshire region of England, c. 1860-1870.  The pattern name is unknown.The pattern is featured as an unascribed pattern in Petra Williams' book Romantic Staffordshire.  
The set is in great condition with one nibble on the rim of a cup, but no chips cracks or repairs. Transfer smudges, color irregularities and other typical minor firing imperfections, original to the making.  Sold as shown, as described.

This wonderful asymmetrical Aesthetic pattern is richly detailed in an earthy and festive pattern. A perfect gift for the bird lover in your life, or for any collector of early miniature Aesthetic transferware dishes.