Custard cups are invariably charming and with its tall, proud bearing, this form might be thought of as the monarch of custard cups. Examples are generally found in some combination of glazed stoneware with contrasting sprigging. Ours pairs sky blue relief with a buttery yellow caneware body, a combination used frequently and with great success by Wedgwood.

The strong vertical elements of the distinctive "Darwin" pattern accent the height of the pedestal footed cup. Alternating thick and thin fern-like fronds are topped by a row of rather abstract florets. A border of  foliage like bits trims the foot, but the double scroll handle requires no additional ornamentation.

The catalog of the Beeson Wedgwood Collection, Birmingham Museum of Art shows this sprig pattern on caneware examples identifying it as the "Darwin" pattern. (Catalog Numbers 439-441). Given the close ties between the Wedgwood and Darwin families--Josiah was Charles Darwin's  maternal grandfather--we can assume that some Wedgwood piece or set in the pattern was made for or acquired by a Darwin, but we have found no documentation of the specific transaction.

We occasionally find these custard cups with simple lids, and while we assume they were all lidded, in many instances the lids have strayed. Fortunately, the smooth interior lacks the inner rim flange that would call attention to the missing element. In general custard cups were designed with and without lids.