Period: Regency
Maker: Josiah Spode
One of the richest Spode designs adorns this Etruscan-shape trio. Bunches of grapes, vine leaves and tendrils are painted in gold on a cobalt blue-ground. The dazzling effect is enhanced by broad and jagged dog-tooth edging, and gilt-framed lozenges filled with brightly coloured summer flowers. There are further hand-painted sprays in the saucer well and cup bottoms. The cup exteriors are finely gilded with vine leave and tendrils. The Etruscan cups have gilt serpent handles, with coiled tails and mouths biting the rims.
The base of the teacup is marked SPODE in painted letters, together with the pattern number, 4003, which was introduced in 1824. There is also, in large red capitals, the letters PAT..N, which presumably stands for PATTERN. We have not come across this before, and can only assume it is to facilitate the ordering of additional or replacement items from Spode in the same pattern. The bases of the coffee cup and saucer are only marked with 4003.
From the Coldwell Collection
Condition Very good. Some gilt rubbing on the lower inside of the coffee cup, to the saucer, and tip of teacup handle.
Saucer diameter: 15.3 cm
Teacup height: 6.3 cm; diameter: 9.6 cm; width, incl. handle: 11.3 cm
Coffee cup height: 7.8 cm; diameter: 7.5 cm; width, incl. handle: 9.5 cm
Net weight: 400 g
Medium: Bone china (porcelain)
Origin: Stoke-on-Trent, England
For background on the Spode factory, see Spode and Copeland in Makers & Artists
