Light blue and white Mudlarked Sherd Pendant

Historical Information

Type: Ornithological Bird Blue and White Wares
Fabric: Earthenware
Date: Victorian
Find Location: Thames, Essex, UK
Extra Information:
This sherd is part of a large mid to late nineteenth-century 'Asiatic Pheasants' pattern blue and white transferware.

The Asiatic Pheasants pattern, second only to the Willow pattern, was a highly popular blue-printed design in the latter half of the 19th century, continuing into the Edwardian period. It often featured a floral scroll with the maker's initials. The design displayed pheasants among flowers and foliage, framed by a simple floral border.

Podmore, Walker & Co. were significant producers of the Asiatic Pheasants pattern, operating from 1834 to 1859 in Tunstall, with Enoch Wedgwood joining as a partner around 1835. After Ralph Hall ceased trading around 1849, they took over his Swan Bank works by 1853 and established strong export ties, particularly in North America, becoming known for their innovative patterns.

While they did not claim to be the first creators of the pattern, their successors, Wedgwood & Co., later asserted that title. Evidence suggests Ralph Hall may have produced the pattern as early as 1830, leading to ambiguity regarding the original manufacturer due to overlapping production periods.