A classic example of eighteenth century Worcester, this pot represents both teaware -- a mainstay of their production -- as well as underglaze transfer printing in blue -- a dominant aspect of Worcester decoration by the seventeen seventies.

The popular "Fence" motif is repeated on each side of the pot. In the foreground an oriental style fence just barely constrains the exuberant, over-scaled florals of a waterside garden (the white space representing a river or bay). Two birds wing their way to an island beyond the strait.

A tiny fence appears among the blossoms that circle the lid. The knop or finial is a finely constructed combination of a floral bud and delicately molded individual petals. 

John Sandon writes in The Dictionary of Worcester Porcelain, Volume I, 1751-1851 (p.154) that the "Fence" pattern was without doubt Worcester's most popular transfer printed pattern.  From the time of its introduction, c. 1765 to 1768, until Worcester ceased blue printing around 1790 or 1795, it found its way onto not only tea wares, but also dessert services and such specialty forms as spittoons, butter tubs and mustard pots. 

In our experience, "Fence" is one of three printed patterns found frequently enough to enable one to assemble a full service or collection.  (The other two are "Pinecone," found primarily on dinner wares, and "Three Flowers," found on tea wares. )