From Hobbies August 1942 by Thelma Shull:
Continued -
One need only glance at a list of English potters who made Parian, many of whom exported large quantities to the United States, why it is still to be found in homes scattered over the country. Many American firms also made this ware.
At Copeland and Garrett's factory, they called their fine Parian figures and busts Statuary Porcelain. It had a silky texture and a slight glaze. Copeland made a wedding service for the Prince and Princess of Wales, Edward and Alexandra, and the large compote was upheld by four Parian figures representing the four continents: Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Matching smaller fruit dishes were made of soft porcelain, richly gilded, were each ornamented with a Parian figure. These represented Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
The Minton firm at Stoke-upon-Trent, England, exhibited their Parian ware at the Exhibition of 1851 and again at the United States International Exhibition of 1878. IN 1878 they were making both white and colored Parian.
With a radius of about ten miles in the northern part of the County of Stafford, England, were located the towns known as The Potteries, including Cobridge, Etruria, Burslem, Fenton, Tunstall, Longport, Shelton, (at one time called Hanley), Lane End, and several others. It was here that so much Parian, Majolica and Ironstone china was made and sent to America between 1850 and 1900.
Part III to come soon...
I was just wondering, the four continents? In 1942, we did know the world and that there 7 continents. Were these just the four that England still had empires in?
I wonder how many pieces people have, that they are unaware that they are so old? Did they mark the newer pieces (say 1850-1900)?
ReplyDeleteHelo Shaorn! thanks as always for swinging by :) From what I have gathered, only a few makers marked this particular ware. It is one of those types of porcelain that experience is the best teacher, I like to find a reputable antique dealer who specializes in something like this to learn from or a serious collector. Based on descriptions and the couple of pictures (I will upload some for the 3rd part), I personally have not had any in my possession.
ReplyDeleteFrom Part I -
ReplyDeleteParian was seldom marked and was made by so many different potters during the last half of the 19th century that one is seldom able to identify its origin. Occasionally one finds pieces which were marked or passed from well-authenticated sources to present owners and their history is therefore established.