Rare KATE GREENAWAY Children Cat & Mouse Childs 3pc Tea Set ~ c1880

This antique children's transferware trio dates to 1880. The round cup stands 2" tall the saucer measures about 4-1/2" in diameter and the plate measures about 5 3/8" in diameter. The set is of unknown origin, most likely made by a pottery manufacturer in the Staffordshire region of England during the 1880s, a period of whimsical children's tea sets influenced by the Aesthetic movement love of nature and the style and characters of Kate Greenaway. The set would have originally been part of a complete miniature tea set transfer printed in black. We have not found the set

The set features boys and girls drawn by or in the style of Kate Greenaway, all engaged in activities ranging from knitting to climbing in a giant basket. The reverse side of the cup shows a cat playing with a mouse. This endearing set makes a wonderful addition for a fanciful collection and would complement Charles Allerton's Little Mae patterns. If you're looking to start a collection, the three patterns work together as a darling sampler set.

The set is in great condition. The cup and saucer have no chips cracks or repairs. The plate has a hairline at 3 o'clock and some rim wear. The set contains stilt marks and other minor imperfections - glaze ponding, transfer wrinkles, kiln dust - all original to the making and consistent with the typical naïve 19th century childrens' wares. The workmanship is haphazard, which is one of the reasons we started collecting this stuff about 40 years ago. It's not fine china, nor was it meant to be; it's for kids, and probably considered disposable. Silt in the pottery, glazed over dips and bumps, all these are cases of factory indifference. The transfers are somewhat crude and primitive in application, adding to their folksy charm. Kate Greenaway images on transferware are hard to find and highly sought after, especially in sets. This little set will make a stunning collection, or add them to any existing collection of toys and children's ware. Offered as is.

Item ID: AA1701