Antique Blue Willow Transferware Platter by S. Hancock & Sons

Price: $225

Antique Blue Willow Transferware Platter by S. Hancock & Sons is a splendid example of small, independent ceramic companies in England riding the wave of popularity of Oriental designs for the last couple of centuries.  This example, beautifully preserved, was made in Stoke-on-Trent, and features the intricate bordering and fanciful garden scene with lots of geometric patterns interspersed throughout the design.  This particular example is quite rare, due to the company's history to-whit:
Sampson Hancock, a prominent Wesleyan Methodist, started potting in 1857, operating independently and in partnership with others. In 1891 he established the business of Sampson Hancock & Sons.  Sampson died in 1900 and the business was continued by his three sons - Jabez, Harry and Arthur.  In 1935 the business was in financial difficulty and was made bankrupt. It was restarted as S Hancock & Sons (Potters) Ltd. and moved to the Gordon Works in Hanley, which was renamed the Corona Works. The restarted company was not a success and it closed its doors for good in 1937.
Circa 1935
Measures 1H x 12.5W x 9.5D