A WEDGWOOD BONE CHINA ORNITHOLOGICAL PART DESSERT SERVICE

1812-1822, IRON-RED UPPERCASE MARK, PATTERN NO. 734 TO THE SHAPED PIECES, PROBABLY PAINTED BY AARON STEELE

Details

A WEDGWOOD BONE CHINA ORNITHOLOGICAL PART DESSERT SERVICE
1812-1822, iron-red uppercase mark, pattern no. 734 to the shaped pieces, probably painted by Aaron Steele
Each piece painted with a bird specimen named on the underside, the moulded border with scattered feathers, gilt line rim, comprising:
A two-handled lozenge-shaped footed compote, 12in. (30.5cm.) long
Two sauce tureens, covers and stands, 8in. (21.6cm.) long, the stand
Two lozenge-shaped dishes, 10in. (27.4cm.) long
Two oval dishes, 9in. (24.8cm.) long
Eight dessert plates, 8in. (21.5cm.) diameter (15)

Provenance

The Collection of the Late Ailsa Mellon Bruce; Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, 4 June 1971, lot 1

Lot Essay

Bone China was developed at Wedgwood under the direction of Josiah Wedgwood II in answer to market demand in London. In a letter dated 1811, Byerley, the manager of the London shop commented: Every day we are asked for China Tea Ware - our sales of it would be immense if we had any - Earthenware Teaware is quite out of fashion - & while we omit making china Teaware, we are, I fear, giving opportunities to other Manufacturers, which we should make better use of ourselves.

See Wolf Mankowitz, Wedgwood, 1953, pp. 133-139 for a discussion of Bone China, Wedgwood's contribution to Regency porcelain, and plate VII for a cup, saucer and plate decorated in the same pattern as the present lot, the painting possibly by Aaron Steele.

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