Who does not love blue and white, especially early 19th century examples. The clean crisp appeal of blue and white is absolutely timeless. No wonder it has been a favorite throughout every season.

This wonderfully decorative pearlware tea cup was made in England during the early 19th century, circa 1810. This is such a delightful Regency era cup; the wrythen or fluted shape is so attractive and the quality of the printed design is truly excellent. Hard to imagine isn't it that this little treasure was made during the Napoleonic war, and at a time when U.S. President James Madison asks the US Congress to declare war on the United Kingdom. Also a time when English novelist Jane Austen was still writing. We love touching the past, that's the magic of antiques!!

The fluted/shanked design cup was produced by Ralph Stevenson who was an earthenware manufacturer based in Lower Manufactory, Cobridge. Known pieces by Stevenson are rare, they are often unmarked. The previous owner, Trevor Kentish, attributed this piece to Stevenson. We agree, the butterfly on the upper borders were used on several pieces produced by Stevenson.
The tea cup features the most wonderful, crisp printed Chinoiserie design. The design features ornate Chinese temples on the banks of the river. We love the addition of the fisherman in his little boat. We particularly like the fabulous printed border which adorns the interior of the cup. Notice the butterflies, what a highly unusual detail.

Provenance: Trevor Kentish (b 1938 — d 2017) was an experienced collector of English blue and white pottery and porcelain and the former editor of The Friends of Blue society. He was a member of the society for some 30 years as well as the treasurer for several other pottery and porcelain societies. Trevor acquired the piece from Doreen Otto who was a contributor to The Friends of Blue society.

Measuring: Cup width including handle 3.5 inch (9 cm) by height 2.75 inch (7 cm).

Condition: Some light surface wear to glazed rim. Two minor surface chips to foot rim. Light surface wear to glaze -seen in images.
A super example to add to your collection. A grouping of 18th century coffee cans looks stunning when displayed together.

Please see our collection of 18th and 19th century pottery and porcelain listed separately in our store.