Patterns of the Month: Literature

Each month we feature a new pattern from our Pattern and Source Print pattern and source print database and archive them on these pages by category.

Moses in the Bulrushes

This pattern is known as "Moses in the Bulrushes.” It is found on a 6.25 inch saucer by an unknown maker.

For members only, this is pattern #6947 in the database. For more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

“The Children of Flora”

Domed 5 inch polychrome or Prattware pot lid titled “The Children of Flora,” ca. 1860. Flora was a Roman goddess of flowers and the season of spring. The British children illustrated on this lid appear to be acting out the change of seasons. Members only: for more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

St. John

Shown is an 11 inch plate titled “St. John”  by an unknown maker, ca. 1835.  It is from “The Sun Of Righteousness” series. Members only: for more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

Circus Acrobats

Seen is a 17.25 by 14.5 inch platter in a pattern known as "Circus Acrobats." It was made by the Middlesbro' Pottery Co. (1834-1887). There is an interesting history of the tall man in the center of the platter in the TCC database.

Members only: for more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

"Foot Of Mount Sinai"

Shown is "Foot of Mount Sinai" 7.25 inch plate from the "Illustrations of the Bible" series by Thomas Mayer (1826-1838), ca. 1835. The series was printed in an assortment of colors and patterns. Six patterns are found in the TCC Pattern And Source Print Database. Members only: for more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

Zeus (Jupiter) in his Chariot

Here is a 10 inch plate made by Spode (1770-1833) in the Greek Pattern. It is part of a series where most sizes and shapes have a different center surrounded by the same border. This pattern depicts Zeus (Jupiter) in his Chariot. It is copied from the work of Wilhelm Tischbein, 1791. Members only: for more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

"Millenium"

Shown here is a 10 inch plate in the "Millenium" pattern by Ralph Stevenson & Son (1810-1835). Today "Millenium" would be spelled "Millennium." It was an immensely popular pattern in the United States. It is found printed in every color except yellow. The religious symbolism is very interesting. Members only: for more information about this pattern and to see other similar patterns, search the Pattern and Source Print Database.

" Don Quixote and the Shepherdesses"

Shown here is a 10 inch plate from the Don Quixote series by an unknown maker. It is from a dinner service bearing patterns based on the illustrations by Robert Smirke and Charles Westall of the story of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. For more information about this series, see the pattern and source print database.

"Lady of the Lake"

This 10 inch plate was made by Thomas & John Carey (1823 -1842).  The pattern is a composite  based on two engravings of the drawings of Richard Westall which were used as illustrations for Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake". For more information about this series, see the pattern and source print database.

"As You Like It," Act V, Scene 4 from "The Drama" series by John Rogers & Son (1815-1842) is found on a 21 inch by 16 inch platter.  It is seen here with its source print,  which is based on an engraving by Jean Pierre Simon (1791), from a painting by the artist William Hamilton,commissioned by John Boydell for his Shakespeare Gallery in London and published by him in 1792.  For more information about this series, see the pattern and source print database.

"Moses On Mount Sinai" 
Found on an 8 inch plate, this pattern is part of a series entitled "Scripture Illustrations."  Another item in the series, "The Faith of Abraham,"can be found in the pattern and source print database. The pattern was made by Knight Elkin & Bridgwood (1829-1840).

Find additional patterns and more extensive information in our Pattern and source print database.

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