Crab Blossom Earthenware Tureen 1883 - Grove & Stark / Gerbing & Stephan

Antique Fine Earthenware Tureen with Crab Blossom Pattern

Rare tureen in fine earthenware (terre de fer) with black intaglio decoration (transferware), featuring the registered "Crab Blossom" pattern from 1883. Collector's item with British trademark and manufacturer G&S.

Main Features:

• Material: Fine earthenware (terre de fer) - durable, whitish ceramic
• Technique: Black intaglio (transferware) - transfer printing
• Pattern: Crab Blossom (Apple Blossom) registered in 1883
• Manufacturer: G&S - Grove & Stark (United Kingdom, 1871-1885) or Gerbing & Stephan (Austria-Bohemia, 1861-1903)
• Dating: 1883-1910 (late 19th century / early 20th century)
• Shape: Tureen with lid and oriental pagoda-shaped handle.
• Condition: Good condition with signs of use consistent with its age.

Brand and Origin:

The base features a diamond registration mark (Rd) from the UK Patent Office (1842-1883), with the Roman numeral IV indicating ceramics and code 15 confirming registration in 1883. The initials G&S identify the manufacturer as Grove & Stark (UK) or Gerbing & Stephan (Austro-Bohemian).

Style and Historical Context:

The Crab Blossom pattern exemplifies the Chinoiserie style, with flowering branches, apple blossoms, birds, and butterflies inspired by Asian art. This trend was extremely popular in Victorian European ceramics, reflecting the Western fascination with Eastern aesthetics.

Similar pieces were sold by luxury retailers such as Le Grand Dépôt Émile Bourgeois in Paris (founded in 1862) and manufactured by companies such as Luneville and Choisy-le-Roi.

Ideal piece for: Collectors of transferware, antique earthenware, Victorian ceramics, or as a period decorative piece in classic interiors.