We may never ferret out the maker of this elegant polychrome pearlware tea bowl and saucer. The cocoa brown printed transfer is highlighted with underglaze enamels in lime green, ochre and orange. A large floral spray partially frames the lower right foreground of the scene. Two oriental men converse in a garden setting complete with exotic fretwork wall , overhanging palm trees, and even a branch to the far left on which a yellow bird perches. A neat oriental fret border hugs the navy rim of the piece. The spray of flowers framing the scene is repeated around the inner rim of the blue rimmed tea bowl and in a small nosegay in the bottom of the cup.

Mention of lime green, orange and yellow today will either bring on smirks or sneers from sophisticated decorator friends with expectations of garish retro fabric prints from the 1960's. Yet in this humble pearlware tea bowl and saucer, the British give us a lesson in color and elegance both simple and to the point.