Eagle's eyes
I thought I was going to move on from birds... but this week another bird came to tell a story... little did I know.
Here I have two beautiful plates that were made by Chamberlains in Worcester some time in the 1790s. They are in the "Japan" style, which was very popular at the time and which Chamberlains used in many patterns. So it was only logical to assume that the striking bird in this pattern was a phoenix. The phoenix is an ancient mythological creature that brings rebirth, renewal and immortality; it was a popular design element in East Asian ceramics.
Independence
But last week a kind reader with eagle's eyes made me aware that this pattern does not show a phoenix... and here is why.
This pattern was first brought out in 1790, fourteen years after the signing of the American Declaration of Independence, and it was called "Independence". It was made exclusively for the American market by the great Chamberlains factory in England. There is of course a certain irony in the fact that the ex-colonising country, Great Britain, brought out a dinner service celebrating independence from Great Britain.
Eagle
Although the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, it took until 1782 before a national seal was approved for the new country, as nobody could agree on which animal to choose. After years of deliberation the choice fell upon the American bald eagle as the symbol of strength, pride and resilience. Luckily America avoided the humiliation of going with one proposal that wanted to pick the turkey as a national animal 🦃
Chamberlains brought out this dessert service exclusively for the American market, which makes it quite rare. But at the bicentenary of the American Independence in 1976, Royal Worcester (which had absorbed the Chamberlains factory in the 19th Century) re-issued the pattern, again exclusively for the American market. You can find those newer versions all over eBay and they are beautiful too - but these two originals are rare.
A charming detail is that on one of the plates the painter has forgotten to add the style and stamen to the red flower. Even the best of us can forget something!
Where to find things
You can find all my plates here and you can find all my available stock here. If you always want to see the latest additions, follow me on Instagram... I post pictures and a story several times a week.
Wish List ❤️
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Happy weekend, and savour your independence! 🦅🦅🦅
with thanks to Jane Lace 🙏
This week's treasures:
