Pair of Mid 19th Century W Adams & Co Small Plates - Chinese Ching Pattern

Details

Description

The Chinese Ching pattern by W. Adams & Co. is a celebrated example of 19th-century English transferware that reflects the … Read more The Chinese Ching pattern by W. Adams & Co. is a celebrated example of 19th-century English transferware that reflects the Western fascination with Chinese art and culture during the era.

W. Adams & Co. produced the Chinese Ching pattern primarily during the mid-19th century, a period when chinoiserie designs were at their height of popularity in Europe. The exact production dates for this specific pattern aren't always documented precisely, but it is generally attributed to the 1840s to 1860s, during the Victorian era.

This lovely pair features pink, green, black and gold tones. A perfect wall display. House ready.

Please note the bamboo easel is not included in this purchase.

Dimensions:
Width: 7"
Height: 1"

W. Adams & Co.
Founded in 1769 by William Adams in Staffordshire, England, the company became renowned for its high-quality pottery and innovative designs.
By the 19th century, under subsequent generations of the Adams family, the company specialized in transferware, a decorative technique involving the transfer of engraved patterns onto ceramics.

The Chinese Ching Pattern
The "Ching" pattern was inspired by traditional Chinese porcelain designs, which were highly prized in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries.
It likely draws its name from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the period during which Chinese exports to Europe peaked.
This pattern features a blend of orientalist motifs, including stylized florals, pagodas, landscapes, and other elements that evoke an idealized vision of China.

Aesthetic and Techniques
The pattern was created using the transfer printing method, introduced in the mid-18th century in Staffordshire, which allowed for the mass production of intricately detailed designs.
Typically, "Ching" is rendered in a classic blue-and-white palette, mimicking the traditional Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, though other colors like green or brown were also occasionally produced.

Cultural Context
During the Victorian era, chinoiserie (the European interpretation of Chinese art and aesthetics) was immensely popular, and patterns like Chinese Ching catered to this demand. The pattern embodied both exotic appeal and the practicality of English earthenware, making it a popular choice for middle-class households seeking elegant tableware.

Legacy and Collectibility
W. Adams & Co. continued producing transferware well into the 20th century, though their most iconic designs, including Chinese Ching, are now highly sought after by collectors.
Pieces featuring the Chinese Ching pattern remain a testament to the 19th-century fusion of Eastern inspiration and Western manufacturing prowess. See less