The tree of peace
The world can do with more peace, so this week we are looking at palm trees. Over the centuries, the palm tree has been a symbol of peace, immortality and (spiritual) victory. Palm trees nourish people, some with their sweet dates, other with refreshing coconuts; their large leaves provide shade and make a wonderful roof, and their strong trunks can withstand hurricanes and floods.
The tea service I am showing this week was made by New Hall in about 1810, and its decoration consists of an imitation of what was probably originally a Japanese pattern of date palms and large tropical flowers. The set was potted in the typical "hybrid hard paste" that New Hall made before they turned to bone china. It is light, very strong and slightly greyish, making it appropriate for the wonderful imitations of East Asian patterns.
This service can serve tea to four people. It includes a teapot with cover on a stand, a sucrier with cover, a milk jug, two plates for cakes or sandwiches, a slop bowl, and four cups and saucers. I also have one more teacup available. Tea services were a serious business in the 19th Century, and these are all the pieces that would come with a full service (although most people would buy a service serving 8 or 12 people).
It is quite rare to find a full service in such good condition. Sadly, most services these days are split up and sold off piece by piece, because traders can make money easier that way. I haven't gone any further than offering one teacup separately, but the rest of the service will stay together! The only damage to it is a chip on the rim of the milk jug, which does not affect its use, and other than that it is perfect... so it is a wonderful service to use as well as keeping it on display.
This pattern is number 484. New Hall made several patterns in this colour scheme, all adaptations of Japanese or Chinese patterns. You can also see the famous "Elephant" pattern on a spectacular tea service I have on offer - this is also an extremely rare service. I love the understated colours, and the way the English painters have made their own pretty version of the patterns they saw on imported porcelain from China and Japan, including beautiful neo-classical gilt details inspired by Etruscan art from Italy.
This service has provenance; it is depicted in plate 188 in Geoffrey A. Godden's book "New Hall Porcelains" (this very same service!); Godden is credited "Mssrs Sotheby's", and I have included the corresponding label of Sotheby's, where it was sold on 7 March 1989. It was purchased by Frank Herrmann, a well known collector whose collection was sold off more recently.
Where to find things
You can find lots of tea services on my website, 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.
Happy weekend, and have some tea under a palm tree! 🌴🫖🌴
This week's treasures:
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