A delightfully shaped pearlware shaker or muffineer decorated in a transfer of the willow pattern.

A muffineer is the name given to  a specific type of sugar shaker used to shake granulated sugar over muffins.

The pierced domed top appears to join the body with a seam, although this is just a mirroring of the shape taken from metal worked versions where there would have had a seam.  

It is interesting how 18th century Chinese export porcelain was often based on European shapes which had been copied from silverware examples that were taken to China as patterns to be copied.

But here we see that same tradition of the ceramic reflecting a metal version, where there is no explanation other than an aesthetic,  or for the novelty value.

The shaker widens out to a shoulder and then rounds off towards the base which narrows and then widens into a foot.

The transfer pattern is roughly applied in a way where you can clearly see the edges of the different sections of the transfer.

At the hollow foot there is a hole which would have been stopped with a cork plug.  This one is without its plug.

Probably dating from around 1840.



Makers marks:
None

Height:
110 mm

Weight:
94 g

Age:
180 years

Condition:
Very good condition.  No chips cracks or restoration.  

Maker:
Unknown