An antique Georgian, or late Regency period, Hicks and Meigh moustache shaped moulded ironstone sauce tureen, cover and stand. They are beautifully decorated with a Japan pattern with hand coloured Imari palette transfer print, which has some similarities to pattern 13 (Ref 1). The central pattern is a large, highly stylised, gilded peony flower sprouting from a gilded hollow blue rock. There are other flowers and foliage under a stylised willow tree. The handles and main details are in a deep underglaze blue, whilst the other underglaze blue decoration is in a lighter sky blue tone. The border pattern has a diamond diaper pattern and a floral band between the gilded scrolls of the low relief moulded moustache design. The handles, moulding and foot are picked out in gilding whilst the rims are decorated with an orange band. 

The oval shaped high footed tureen has twin ribbed shell shaped handles and high domed lid with a floral handle or finial, as well as a ladle or spoon slot. The stand or under plate has twin handles with the moustache moulded scrolling pattern in between.

The moustache shaped moulded pattern had been historically attributed to the Ridgway Factory by Geoffrey Godden,  subsequent investigations have reattributed it to both Machin (Ref 2) and Hicks and Meigh (Ref 3). All items are unmarked, we believe that this item was made circa 1820 by Hicks & Meigh of the High Street Works, Shelton, Staffordshire England (1803–1822).

The tureen and lid measures 7 1/4 inches (18.4 cm) high by approximately 7 7/8 inches (19.7 cm) long  by 4 1/2 inches wide, the stand is 8 9/16 inches (22 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Together, the tureen and stand are 7 1/2 inches (19.1 cm ) high and weigh 889 grammes unpacked.

All items are in excellent antique condition without chips cracks nor restoration some very minor wear to the gilding.  The only flaw is a tiny glaze flake to the underside of the foot of the tureen. This is only visible when the body is inverted. Please see the images.

 A beautiful and rare highly decorative and usable item to add to any collection of antique Georgian Ironstone, Hicks and Meigh ceramics or hand coloured transfer-ware.

References

1. For a similar design pattern see Transferware Collectors Club database record 9835 of pattern 13, and also 7.

2. Northern Ceramics Society (NCS) Newsletter 100, page 31 image 5 article by Margaret Ironside

3. NCS Newsletter 168, pp.36-38 article by Austin Wragg