Set of 8 WT Copeland Two Temples I Dinner Plates, c.1851-85

Porcelain : Antique

 

A set of eight 9 7/8" porcelain dinner plates in the beautiful blue willow pattern "Two Temples I", made by the W T Copeland company between 1851-1885. The Two Temples I pattern is a rich, dark blue with ornately decorated rim and beautiful butterflies. The center portion features 2 temples on the left, a bridge with 2 figures on the right, a figure in the doorway, a 4th figure on the rocks, and a fence in the lower right foreground. There are no birds in this pattern. The blue "flows" just a bit to give the pattern a soft appearance. The Two Temples I pattern is more rare than Two Temples II, also made by Spode and Copeland. All 8 plates are marked with the early Copeland mark and the pattern number 187 in red. Some tiny impressed marks are also present. The plates are in truly wonderful antique condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing. The original rim gilding, however, is faint or missing on most of the plates, though this does not detract from their beauty. Under very bright light and by tilting the plates, you can detect utensil marks commensurate with age. These plates were obviously loved and well cared for for over one and half centuries, and a testament to the superb craftsman ship of the Copeland pottery.

The Blue Willow pattern was introduced by Josiah Spode c.1800, probably to assist those who had collected imported Chinese blue and white wares in the mid 1700's and who had difficulty locating pieces to add to their Chinese export porcelain services. There is no "true" Willow pattern, but many, many variations made by a wide variety of manufacturers. Spode and Copeland's Two Temples pattern is one of the most loved and collected, and an early set such as this is indeed a wonderful find.

Please note that the unpacked weight of this set is 10 lbs. Shipping charges reflect weight, destination, and our assurance that the set will be packed with the utmost care.

Item ID: CH-8474