Not for the perfectionist, this small demitasse cup and saucer was made by Copeland Spode in 1881. This pattern was called Mandarin, other makers have called the same pattern Blue Willow. White porcelain, with Blue transfer, and hand painted gilt trim on the delicate classic scallop edges. Elegant and just beautiful.
Two birds flying high,
A Chinese vessel, sailing by.
A bridge with three men, sometimes four,
A willow tree, hanging o’er.
A Chinese temple, there it stands,
Built upon the river sands.
An apple tree, with apples on,
A crooked fence to end my song.
In 1784 Spode perfected the technique of underglaze transfer printing using designs hand engraved onto copper plates and printed onto biscuit earthenware. Most of the best loved pieces were copies of Chinese porcelain decorated with blue and white landscapes. The Spode pieces filled a need for replacements for the Chinese porcelain which was becoming very difficult to obtain from Canton, China.
As you can see, this little gem does have tea staining on the petite saucer. If you have a collection, this is a wonderful addition, if you can forgive the tea use. Measures: Saucer:4~3/4"; Cup:2~1/4"h x 2~1/4".
