Wileman Empire shape tea set for four, polychrome Chrysanthemum 1896

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Wileman Empire shape tea set for four, polychrome Chrysanthemum 1896:
$658.72

This Wileman \"Empire\" shape part tea set for four is a rare find. Usually these large sets either have been split up and sold off separately, or they have so many problems that they are not really usable. This set consists of four teacup trios, four extra side plates, a milk jug and a slop bowl. There is also a small cream coloured teapot in the same Empire shape in a separate listing elsewhere in the shop (see picture of all items together), which I would be happy to add at a 10% discount. This set is in excellent condition, see more details below in the condition report.

The set is printed with the Chrysanthemum pattern in polychrome, a very fresh combination of pastel yellow, pink, green and blue. The flowing shapes of the saucers, side plates and bowl, combined with the proud dignity of the cups with their richly elaborated handles, make it a very stunning set.

Wileman (later renamed Shelley and sometimes called Foley) was one of the most respected manufacturers of fine bone china tea sets in the late 19th and early 20th Century, and many of their products are now collector\'s items. They made many different shapes of cups and the Empire shape is sought after for its dignity and grace. The handles have wonderful detail to them not only in their shape, but also in the playful application of gilding.

The Chrysanthemum pattern on Empire cups was registered in 1896. It is a very gentle and playful pattern, the outline of which was applied from an etching via inked paper in brown onto the raw or biscuit china and then glazed over. The colours were added by hand in enamel, and then the item was fired again. Lastly, the gilding was applied. Wileman was known for their unique approach to design and many of the cups they made surprise us in modern times with their boldness; these cups impress with their gentle serenity and sweetness.

CONDITION REPORT This set is in excellent antique condition with only minor wear and no damage. All items ring true when tapped, except two of the cups; however there is no clear crazing to be seen so this is only caused by micro-crazing. There are no further issues such as chips or cracks. I have carefully inspected the entire set on hidden hairlines and other damage (and used a magnifying glass for this) and not found anything. Crazing is the result of the glazing of the item shrinking faster than the body. It usually sets in at the time of production but does not become visible until many decades later. It is a normal sign of ageing and does not weaken or devalue the items. The porcelain is still very white and has no discolouration. The gilding is overall still bright although a bit rubbed in places, which is visible in the pictures. Given that these items have been around for more than 120 years, the set is in absolutely stunning condition.

Kilns were fired on coal in the late 1800s, and this meant that china from that period can have some firing specks from flying particles. One reason Wileman was able to bring high quality tableware on the market for modest prices is that they decided to pass items with firing specks rather than discarding them and creating costly waste. This set is relatively free from these imperfections but you will see some under the glazing.

All items carry the famous large Wileman mark in turquoise with the pattern registration number 208329 in green. Hand painted in gold on each item is the registration number 5701.

Please note that all items in my shop are of vintage or antique condition. They have often been used for many years and can have normal signs of wear. I will reflect any damage, repairs or heavy wear in the item description but some minor scratches, nicks and stains can be normal for vintage items and need to be taken into account.

There is widespread confusion on the internet about the difference between chips and nicks, or hairlines and cracks. I will reflect any damage as truthfully as I can, i.e. a nick is a tiny bit of damage smaller than 1mm and a chip is something you can see with the eye; a hairline runs over the surface glazing but not the body of the item and a crack runs through the body of the item, usually weakening its structure. Etcetera - I try to be as accurate as I can and please feel free to ask questions or request more detailed pictures!

DIMENSIONS (diameter at the widest point): cup 9.2cm, saucer 14.2cm, side plate 18.2cm, bowl 16cm diameter, jug stands 8cm (3 1/8\") high and measures 13cm (5 1/8\") from mouth to handle.

SHIPPINGI do not make a profit on shipping and am happy to combine orders and/or refund any excess shipping charges. Shipping will be covered for loss. For international shipping I show blanket charges per region but if you order from abroad, please check with me for precise delivery charges - they may be more or less than that and I will adjust your invoice accordingly. Delivery times can vary greatly per country, and I will do anything I can to get the item to you within your required time - generally this will be 2 to 3 working days within the UK and 6 to 8 working days internationally. Please do contact me for advice and costs for faster shipping options.