posted on March 24, 2009 07:35:11 AM new
I bought this teapot at the weekend, but I can't find anything about it or recognise the backstamp. It is large, probably 10-12 cup, it has the look of an old syle, but has no signs of wear, crazing etc. So I am wondering if it is a modern copy.
The backstamp is rather strange, quite small, so it was hard to picture. It has what looks like lions back end, and cows heads! It just says "Ironstone" underneath.
I thought otteropp you might recognise it, or someone else might have some ideas.
posted on March 24, 2009 07:54:26 AM new
Good Morning from the West Coast!
Amber, what a pretty teapot. I collect red transferware so it always appeals to me.
I am no expert so can only say that to me that stamp looks like one of the reproduction backstamps. I checked a couple of my books and can't find one that matches this. There is one that usually has 'Victoria' underneath where yours has the word 'Ironstone'.
The handle and spout with their fancy scrollwork remind me of the German style.
The fact that it shows no wear combined with the stamp make me think it is a very pretty reproduction piece.
Now we need a REAL expert to come along and give their opinion!
posted on March 24, 2009 08:12:25 AM new
Thanks Penny, yes, I thought it looked like a reproduction. I thought the scenes looked like Austria, so it could well be German. Would a non-English piece have "ironstone" in English?
posted on March 24, 2009 09:18:35 AM new
Pet peeve - Reproduction - way overused word.
If there never was an original of a certain piece or mark, how can there be a reproduction. Call it new, or fantasy piece or whatever. It's not a reproduction.
posted on March 24, 2009 09:30:46 AM new
Max...I stand corrected. I was referring to a reproduction of style.
[ edited by otteropp on Mar 24, 2009 09:42 AM ]
posted on March 24, 2009 09:31:11 AM new
max: I don't know if it's new, I have had some very old china that has been kept in cabinets. The style is definately old. You are right, unless there is a genuine old version, it can't be a reproduction. That is why I asked if anyone recognised it.
posted on March 25, 2009 05:27:33 AM new
Look closely on the bottom and see if there was an area where a small label has been peeled off - More than likely that would be the Made in....label.
Not trying to be a smart mouth, but I have actually found that before - sometimes you're so busy studying every nuance of the item it can be easy to overlook the obvious.
It's a newer piece, but a very pretty one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
posted on March 25, 2009 07:05:19 AM new
Yes I did look carefully, I went over it with a magnifying glass, but I can't see anything. I guess I will just list if as "make unknown".
posted on March 25, 2009 01:59:23 PM new
I remember items such as plates and pitcher and bowl sets, in blue and white, with this same scene and also with the blurred crown and lion mark came in from China in the 90's. The pieces were much heavier than any china from England.
posted on March 25, 2009 04:00:42 PM new
The Chinese used to make limoge porcelain hinged boxes and will sometimes stamp them as Made in Limoge,China.
Unfortunately Limoge is a place in France and nowhere on the map of China there is a place called Limoge!
*
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Hellilujah!
posted on March 25, 2009 04:56:28 PM new
Thanks kiara, it was nice to see your name come up again, I remember all your help in the past. You are probably right. It is a very pretty pot, but yes, it is heavy. I think I will just park it in my store for a while and see if it sell, if not, we will just use it, being English, we make lots of cups of tea!
I'd be worried about the lead content in the teapot if it's really from China. Tea would most likely taste better in one of the finer bone china ones from England. For me, tea or coffee tastes better from a Pyrex mug or a fine china one than from any of the pottery ones made in China.
posted on March 26, 2009 01:19:28 PM new
You are probably right kiara, we usually use Brown Betty teapots from England. Are China allowed to import pottery with a high lead content?
posted on March 26, 2009 01:41:26 PM new
There have been so many reports on finding lead in the paint on toys and also in cheap jewelry and ceramics from China that I'd rather be cautious, Amber. I wouldn't trust a country that contaminates its own baby formula and I'm not sure how much our country tests any of the imports.
There is a good report from the Australian government about the use of lead glazes on earthenware and older bone china and porcelain and also about risky ceramic ware. This is part of it:
"Ceramic ware and glazes that are risky should not be used to store food or drink. The longer the food is in contact with such glazes, the more the lead will leach into it.
Highly acidic foods (for example citrus juices, apple or tomato juice, cola, salad dressings, vinegar, coffee, tea and tomatoes) should not be served in questionable china.
Questionable china should not be used daily. Be wary of old coffee mugs, cheap, imported china and ceramic containers. Heating or microwaving questionable china should be avoided. Heat can accelerate the lead-leaching process. Reheating coffee in an old mug in the microwave is a particularly risky thing to do."
posted on March 27, 2009 05:37:23 PM new
Does anyone have any information on cobalt glass from China? I collect blue glass and use a lot of it for serving. A friend has given me some very nice, made in China, blue glass pieces that I have been using.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
[ edited by photosensitive on Mar 27, 2009 07:25 PM ]
Caroline 