Period: Regency
Maker: Josiah Spode
This rare Spode coffee can is decorated with ‘Swag Embossed’ moulding, and beautiful lilies, hand-painted both inside and out. The design was introduced in 1812.
The wide top border on the outside is embossed with classical anthemion and acanthus motifs. The pattern was known as ‘Swag Embossed’ by Spode. Below is a painting of a European white water lily (Nymphea alba). Painted with equal skill and artistry on the inside is the graceful Lilium candidum,known as the ‘Madonna lily’ or ‘Annunciation lily.’ The smaller sprays on the can are woodland lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), with their pendent, bell-shaped white flowers, as well as water lily leaves.
The are no identifying marks but the Spode pattern is number 1923, dating from 1812.
Condition Perfect. Glaze specks are impurities from manufacture.
Height: 6.5 cm; Diameter: 6.8 cm; Width across handle: 8 cm
Net weight: 88 g
Medium: Bone china (porcelain)
Origin: Stoke-on-Trent, England
See Spode and Copeland in Makers & Artists for background on the factory.
