 | Maker: Eardley and Hammersley Pattern:Asiatic Pheasants
Footbath c1865
Toilet ware in Asiatic Pheasants is rare and a footbath incredibly rare. We have never heard of another and the most extensive collection ever assembled did not include an example. This footbath was made by Eardley & Hammersley of Church Bank Works, Tunstall, Staffordshire, who were active 1862 to 1866, both their predecessors Beech & Hancock and successor Ralph Hammersley produced Asiatic Pheasants at Church Bank.
The condition in detail. Inside the bath on the bottom is a hairline and another running along one side, where the bottom meets the side, but this does not show on the outside. Outside on the bottom is a star crack, part of which is the hairline showing through inside, and another at the other end, which does not show through. Our ceramic conservator has professionally stabilised all these cracks, so there is no chance of them worsening. They are not disfiguring as they are right inside or underneath the bath. At one end on the rim above a handle there is some wear to the glaze. As often there are a few minor stress cracks, which occurred in manufacture. The glaze is finely crazed with a little light associated staining in places, but nothing major. Fundamentally though, this bath looks near perfect and is a stunning item on display. This is the statement piece par excellence for the serious collector of Asiatic Pheasants.
Blue printed backstamp of a crowned harp, with the pattern name and below the initials E & H. Measurements include handles.
Dimensions: 49.5 x 33 cm 21 cm / 19.5 x 13 ins 8.25 ins high
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