AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BROWN TRANSFERWARE

Yesterday I received an email from Debra at Common Ground. You all probably know Debra for her successful Friday vintage inspiration party and her wonderful blog.  She was wondering if I could come up with a post today about my collection of Aesthetic Movement brown transferware.  Over the years I've posted snippets of my collection as I've found pieces, but she thought a comprehensive look was in order.  

I thought I would start with my absolute favorite piece in my collection.  It is a favorite on so many levels.  First, it is just a wonderful example of the aesthetic movement (1870-1900).  It has Asian-influenced scenes with asymmetric geometric patterns plus a plethora of nature designs.  Second, this wash bowl is huge at 15" in diameter and makes quite a statement.  But, thirdly, this is a family piece that I waited through two, cold days to bid on when my great-grandparent's homestead was at auction.  I remember their farmhouse without indoor plumbing; so I know this wash bowl was used again and again.  The fact that it survived for me to bid on was special enough!!

  Below, is a collage of the details and the mark on the bottom of this wash bowl.

 My collection has been amassed over a period of 15 years, and most of the pieces were at bargain prices.  Among one of my first purchases was this Beatrice platter.  It is always fun to find a piece with the kite mark that you see in the upper right corner because it contains the date of manufacture in code.  

 Most of the pieces I have that I'm able to date are from the 1870s and 1880s and come from a variety of manufacturers.  The little scenes that are pictured with borders are sometimes referred to as 'cookies'.

 This pitcher is about 14" tall and I also bought this at my family's homestead auction.

 I love the eagle on this big platter.

 A covered tureen purchased in Texas.

 I have eight pieces of this pattern that I got in Albuquerque, New Mexico several years ago -- it was a good day at $30 for ALL eight pieces.

A soup bowl in the Formosa pattern. 

 Peacocks were often a symbol of the Aesthetic Movement.  This soup bowl has both a kite and an incised mark.

The Perak pattern is popular, and has great 'cookies' on it. 

 I saw this platter the same day that I bought the eight pieces in Albuquerque; but I had already spent my wad, so had to leave it there.  I went back one year later, and it was still there; so I bought it that time.

 I have several jugs - this large one was purchased in Colorado.

 And, the smaller one just like it was bought in Maine a couple of years later.

 This jug was purchased at Round Top, Texas in 2006.

 My collection includes everything from chamber pots to butter pats.

And gravy boats with scenes of nature.

That's PART of my collection.  I'll save the rest for another day.  Thanks to Debra for interest in my addiction.  Be sure to stop by her blog and enjoy Vintage Inspiration Friday.