“Ornate Pagodas” Staffordshire Transferware Platter and Drainer

Staffordshire transferware platter and drainer by Richard Woolley, circa 1812.
 
Dimensions: 
            Platter is approximately 19” x 13⅝”.
            Drainer is approximately 14½” x 9¾”.
 
Decoration: 
The border of the platter is decorated with a complex geometric and floral design.
 
The center of the platter and the drainer are decorated with a scene of willow trees and pavilions, and a bridge with two figures in the foreground. In the background are decorative Chinese structures that give the pattern its name.
 
In this variation of the pattern the walls of the rear building are plain, rather than being decorated to appear like stone.
 
The reverse of the platter bears the impressed mark “Woolley” and various labels.
 
The reverse of the drainer is unmarked and bears various labels.
 
Woolley pieces were rarely marked, making this a very scarce example.
 
This set is illustrated and discussed in “CHINOISERIE, Printed British Ceramics in the Chinese Style 1750 - 1900” by Halliday and Zeller at p. 276.
 
This pattern was also produced by others, including John Mare; Castleford; and Herculaneum Pottery, Liverpool. 
 
Additional References: 
“The Dictionary of Blue and White Printed Pottery 1780-1880 Vol. I” by Coysh and Henrywood.
 
“The Dictionary of Blue and White Printed Pottery 1780-1880 Vol. II” by Coysh and Henrywood.
 
“Extraordinary British Transferware” by R and R Halliday.
 
Condition: Professional restoration of a chip on the platter rim at approximately 5 o'clock; otherwise, both are in excellent condition consistent with age and usage.