Antique English FLOW BLUE New Wharf Pottery PITCHER

This pristine pitcher was made by New Wharf Pottery Company in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Founded circa 1878, the name New Wharf referred to the wharf that was built on the nearby branch of the Trent & Mersey canal at that time.  In 1894 the works were absorbed into Wood & Son Company. The advertisement shown, from the December 8, 1882 issue of The London Gazette newspaper, is a public notice published when one of the partners left the company. 

The flow blue mark printed on the bottom of the pitcher shows the Stafford Knot--the three loop knot that is a symbol of Staffordshire--topped with a royal crown. The pattern name, GENEVA, is at the top, enclosed in a ribbon and followed by the word SEMI-PORCELAIN, then NEW WHARF POTTERY in a rectangle and, finally, ENGLAND. 

The motif is of tulips, with a single large flower on the inside of the lip of the spout. There is raised beading below the mouth; it's also at the shoulder, along with a frieze of flowers and tendrils. Under the spout and along the base there are raised, molded designs. All of this is set against a pure white, semi-porcelain earthenware. 

The height to the top of the handle is 7 1/2 inches; from the side of the pitcher to the edge of the handle measures about 6 1/2 inches. The oval base is 2 3/4 by 3 1/4 inches and the pitcher weighs 1 pound 3 ounces. It is in superb condition, exceptionally clean with no damage. It's probable that this beautiful piece spent 125+ years protected in a cabinet. 

FF 5287