All Washed Up. . .

. . . is what you could be if you had this wonderful antique wash basin and pitcher set. Before the days of indoor plumbing, such sets allowed one to tidy up without having to visit the well or pump. The pitcher would be filled with water daily and a bit poured in the basin as needed for washing hands or face. The wealthy had sets of porcelain, or even silver or gold, often finely decorated, while the less affluent used simpler stoneware, earthenware, or pottery. This piece is earthenware, a low-fire ceramic that is more porous and softer than porcelain, but was also far more affordable. England has long been a producer of earthenware, dating back to the 1700s, but several advances allowed the rising middle class to adorn their homes with colorful and beautifully decorated wares. The first was the creation of transferware in the mid-1700s, in which a design could be printed on paper and then transferred to a porcelain or earthenware piece. Originally intended to copy the intricate blue and white designs of expensive imported Chinese porcelain, transferware was soon made in a variety of colors. The technique also allowed potteries to offer a wide variety of patterns. Using the lines of the transfer design as a guide, skilled decorators might fill in selected areas with additional colors before firing. Advances in printing technology later allowed multicolored transfers. Improved machinery and techniques introduced during the industrial revolution in the 19th century enabled English potteries to mass produce high quality and affordable wares, which were exported throughout the world.

The Chinoiserie pattern has Asian elements interpreted through English eyes. 

Underneath, the piece is stamped "Keeling & Co Ltd." Keeling was an English manufacturer of transfer-decorated earthenware, producing a variety of tableware, as well as decorative and utilitarian items. Founded in 1886, the company was in business until 1936. "Langham" appears to be the name of this pretty pattern.

It is also marked "Losol Ware." Losol Ware, introduced by Keeling in 1912, was the name given to a line of earthenware that used a glaze containing less than one per cent soluble lead, known as "low solubility glaze." Lead was originally used in ceramic glazes because it melted at a low temperature, gave the glaze a durable glass-like finish, and intensified certain colors. However, as companies and the public became more aware of the dangers of lead poisoning, manufacturers sought safer alternatives.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

16822-7

Fishing for Compliments. . . .

is not something you will have to do when you set your table with this marvelous antique fish set. In the 1850s in England it became customary at fine dinners to serve the courses separately, instead of laying everything on the table at once. Both the wealthy and the rising middle class used this as a way to display both their prosperity and good taste by providing special utensils for each course. A proper Victorian place setting could consist of over twenty different pieces of cutlery and a guest demonstrated his or her class and knowledge of etiquette by correctly using each and every piece during a meal that could last for hours. The fish course required its on special set of forks and knives, often embellished with handles of horn or mother of pearl and engraved ornaments. A fancy fish set in a beautiful presentation box was a popular wedding gift.

 Of gleaming silver plate with carved mother of pearl handles, it resides in a beautiful burled wood box. 

The box holds three tiers of utensils, nestled in blue velvet, enough to serve an entire school of fish. 

Each piece carries the Maltese cross and star mark of Joseph Rodgers and Sons of Sheffield, England, as well as the initials "JR." The cross and star were first registered by Rodgers in 1764. The firm was renowned for its fine flatware and pocket knives and was granted a royal warrant of appointment by five successive sovereigns, from King George IV to King George V.

 All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

15518-370

Bar None. . . .

. . . this amazing art deco home bar would be the toast of any home. Its graceful curves are beautifully veneered in rich-colored woods.

Inside is ample display room for your most elegant barware, while your favorite libations are stored beneath. 

Taking its name from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the art deco period combined geometric modernistic motifs with fine craftsmanship and materials. Throughout Europe and the United States, art deco design was reflected in everything from skyscrapers to home furnishings. By the 1930s, more streamlined curving forms inspired by aerodynamic designs became popular. The curved lines and smooth polished surfaces of this deco delight most likely date it to this period. This beautiful bar carries its original label for Supreme Furniture Works, a small furniture contractor and manufacturer located in Northampton, England. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

 230-8057