Dr Richard Halliday, head of Curated Ceramics at Hansons Auctioneers’ Oxfordshire saleroom, highlights a star lot in the July 1 Curated Ceramics Auction.
Lot 184: An early 19th century blue and white transfer-printed Spode Indian Sporting series drainer, c. 1815. Marked to the underside and printed with Shooting at the Edge of the Jungle. £400-£600
This ever-popular series of Indian Hunting and Sporting views was introduced in c. 1810 by Spode and comprises of at least 21 different scenes. All of these were taken from Oriental Field Sports, Wild Sports of the East published in 1805 by Edward Orme of Bond Street, London.
The illustrations were by Samuel Howitt (1756/57–1822), an English painter, illustrator and etcher of animals, hunting, horse-racing and landscape scenes. He worked in both oils and watercolours.
This specific view, Shooting at the Edge of the Jungle, which is titled to the back of the piece, depicts a man with dogs in pursuit of a hare in foreground and a group of men shooting in the centre of the scene.
This object set for auction is known as a drainer and its purpose would be to drain juices off a piece of meat once cooked. It would sit within the dished section of a platter and the large central hole would facilitate removal. Drainers are a collecting field on their own and have a huge following. This specific example has it all – a great shape, fine pattern and it is in excellent condition too.
It is one of many highlights from a large Spode collection assembled mostly in the 1950s and 60s. The catalogue is online and interest has been brisk.
The next Curated Ceramics sale is on September 14 and entries are invited. To discuss a consignment or arrange a free valuation, email: [email protected]
