If ever there was a transfer pattern demonstrating the beauty of simplicity, it has to be...

If ever there was a transfer pattern demonstrating the beauty of simplicity, it has to be this pattern. The primary element, a continuous stylized vine laden with deep red and green berries, gives a nod to nature's realities with the carefully drawn "barbs" along the stem.  Executed in pale teal green with enamels to highlight the berries, the vine circles the cup, inside and out and creates a wreath-like band around the saucer.  In the center of both the saucer and cup interior, sprays of the vine emanate from little rosettes. Bands of more geometric ornament circling this device and at the rims of both cup and saucer hint at the influence of the gothic revival movement.

We would so like to believe that the deep red  and bright green berries on this tea b...

We would so like to believe that the deep red  and bright green berries on this tea bowl and saucer originally signaled some unknown designer's intent to create a tea service for holiday use. That said, we can not track down a potter and that intent will remain a matter of  speculation.  One must also bear in mind that this is a piece produced for the England of Charles Dickens' youth, when the holiday was merry, but not yet overwhelming . Still, the quiet simplicity of the pattern with the deep red and bright green highlights can not help but be associated with the simple, quiet, possibly mythic holiday of our dreams.