Vintage Abraham Lincoln Blue Transferware Pitcher by Cauldon

Presented is a blue-glazed transferware water pitcher with an oval portrait of Abraham Lincoln printed on both sides. The printed phrase “With Malice Toward None, With Charity For All” appears in scrolls beneath both portraits, taken from Lincoln’s second inaugural address. Intricate blue floral, leaf, and ribbon designs fill the rest of the pitcher and extend onto the top of the “double c” style handle. The pitcher is marked “Cauldon, England,” and “S” on the bottom in blue. The firm Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co. was founded in Staffordshire before 1860, and began using the Cauldon name circa 1890; after 1905 they were generally styled Cauldon Ltd. 

This pitcher was decorated using the printing process called transferware, a highly collectable method used to adorn antique china in white and blue patterns. Vintage transferware dishware was exceedingly popular during the Victorian era. In the late 18th century, Chinese porcelain was extremely sought-after, thanks to their rich and delicately detailed blue patterns hand painted on white backgrounds. However, due to trade prices, Chinese porcelain pieces were expensive and generally limited to the wealthier class. To mimic the look of Chinese porcelain, English potters created transferware. 

In this process, a copperplate is engraved with a design and heated. Cobalt oxide is applied to the hot engraved plate, followed by a damp tissue paper laid flat to pick up the oxide. The marked tissue is lifted off the copperplate and applied to the pottery surface. The tissue paper is then washed off, leaving the intricate blue design. 

While the first transferware patterns incorporated Chinese designs and motifs, eventually Victorian romantic sensibilities created a market for floral and pastoral patterns that highlighted English Culture. After the Napoleonic Wars, a large export trade to North America was established. British Staffordshire potteries such as Cauldon, Wedgwood, and Johnson Brothers capitalized upon the surge of popularity of American history leading up to the Centennial of 1876 and again during the interwar period. With patterns designed expressly for the American markets, the plates, serveware, bowls and tureens celebrated early American history with idyllic and patriotic themes. Scenes were modeled closely after iconic engravings by 19th century publishers, such as Currier and Ives, and subjects were chosen for how they reinforced Americans’ sense of national identity and pride. The beautiful wares that have survived are now avidly collected on both sides of the Atlantic. 

CONDITION:

Near fine. Blue transferware on bulbous shaped white pitcher with “double c” style handle. Marked “Cauldon, England,” and “S” on the bottom, in blue. Crazing throughout. Previously examined under black light and reported with no chips, cracks, or repairs.

Dimensions: 7 5/8" H x 6 1/2" W x 7" D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.