This child
size transferware three piece tea set dates to circa
1890. Originally part of a complete childs
or dollhouse tea set, the cup stands 2 inches tall, the saucer measures 4-1/2 inches across and the plate measures 5-1/2 inches across.
The decoration is transfer printed in a brilliant dark cobalt flue blue. The set depicts a little girl, named Mae or May, standing with her arms around a huge dog. She is wearing a big hat and the dog appears to be smiling. This endearing scene, framed by an aesthetic background of flowers, birds and lots of geometrical whimsies.
The set is marked with the backstamp of Charles Allerton & Sons, a pottery manufacturer in the Staffordshire region of England who was well known for his whimsical children's tea sets. The influence of the Aesthetic movement on the pattern design captures the Victorian love of nature and the exotic. The pattern is known as "Little Mae with Dog" or "Girl with Big Dog".
The set is in great overall condition with no chips cracks or repairs. The workmanship is haphazard, which is one of the reasons many people collect these dishes...not fine china, and not meant to be; it was made for children and probably considered disposable. The transfers are not always aligned neatly, and there are always little bumps and dips that were glazed over in the factory and runny smeary glaze. Shelf dust and age related patina. The primitive and hasty style adds to the folksy charm of 19th century childrens' pottery and typical of 19th century childrens' wares. Offered as is. A great example of naive and whimsical early wares!
Children's aesthetic transferware in this fun pattern is highly sought after, and animal lovers love it. We have listed other early Allerton Little Mae child's transferware and have more in stock that we will be pleased to make available upon request. We are always happy to combine shipping of multiple purchases.
Please send us an email before the auction ends with any questions or if you would like to see additional photos.
Thank you for bidding!
International Buyers – Please Note: Most of our merchandise is over 100 years old, and we mark our international parcels “antiques – over 100 years old”. US and International government regulations do not allow us to mark merchandise values below value or mark items as "gifts”. Import duties, taxes and charges, if any, are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.