Friday, February 17, 2012

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.

17 comments:

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Sally this is wonderful!! I'm posting in just a few minutes, I'll graba photo and then just send people over! thanks so much!!

Megan @ Restoring the Roost said...

What a beautiful collection!!! I love that you have so many pieces of the aesthetic movement. I collect brown transferware as well....it is for sure one of my weaknesses :)

Marigene said...

What a wonderful collection...love the platter with the eagle. Thank you for a peek, can't wait to see the rest.
Have a great weekend, Sally.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

YUM!!! Well, you already know how much I love your collection! Everything looks good enough to eat! My favorites are the butter pats you show, and the gravy pitchers.

Sarah said...

Sally, thank you for sharing all these amazing pieces and for all the information about Aesthetic Movement transferware. You have a gorgeous collection. ~ Sarah

Honey at 2805 said...

What a wonderful collection, Sally! Thank you for sharing it!

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Just fantastic!
I love the aesthetic patterns. So much more interesting than the symmetrical patterns. Thanks for sharing!
Xoxo
A

English Aesthetic Transferware Pottery said...

Love it. Art for art's sake.

Anonymous said...

Sooooo beaUtiful!
I only have one piece, and envy your incredible stash.
I FIND pieces--but they seem to be always above my price point :P
Catherine

Anne said...

Dear Sally,
I am so happy to see your transferware...I have been an avid collector of blue...then added pink/red...and now I am very much "taken" with brown! Just lovely!!
(I'm a new follower!)
Best,
Anne

Lady Liberty said...

So interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Beautiful collection. I love transferware especially the brown.

Dee@FrenchBleuVintage said...

Hi Sally ~ What a fantastic collection. I do love brown transferware and have quite a few pieces that I keep meaning to put up for sale at my shop, but I can't bring myself to part with it yet. Someday.......
Dee

Susie Q said...

You have the most stunning collection Sally. Thank you for sharing all this info with us! I didn't know all of this and love learning! I have a few pieces of the brown transferware and just love it!
Love,
Sue

bj said...

This is indeed, a wonderful collection of some wonderful pieces. Thanks so much for sharing. I've never seen pieces like this.
Have a great rest of the week.
xo bj

lvroftiques said...

Thanks for answering my question Sally...15 yrs...That's a pretty impressive collection for such a short time *winks* Vanna

Donna said...

Sally,

Just came across your blog while doing research on a ceramic sherd. I was very pleased to see that you have the plate! Would you please provide more information? From the photo it appears to be "Ridgways" and a partial pattern number of 2025. Could you provide the pattern name and full number?

The photos appear above the 14" pitcher. The blog was posted Feb. 17, 2012.

Donna

Salmagundi said...

Donna --- I was unable to contact you any other way, so will try this and hope you see it. The plate is Ridgways, and the complete pattern number is 20250. The only other script on the back of the plate is "Stoke on Trent". Don't know if that means the place of manufacture, or is it a pattern name. I'm thinking that it is the place of manufacture, because that town in England is a pottery center. This plate is the only piece that I have in this pattern. Good luck on your search for more information. Sally