Japanese Imari patterns inspired Staffordshire potters
Q. I have enclosed a photo of a small ironstone bowl that belonged to my mother. She was born in Ireland in 1911 and immigrated to the United States in 1929.
According to family legend, the bowl was part of a set that her family owned. All that is left is this shallow bowl, which is decorated with a dark blue and rust pattern and a gold-trimmed border. The body is white. It measures 5.5 inches in diameter, and it is in mint condition. There is a mark on the back with a crown and the words "Royal Cameron - Alfred Meakin - England."
What can you tell me about my bowl?
A. Alfred Meakin Ltd. made your bowl. Based on the size of your bowl, I'd say it is an individual sauce bowl or berry dish. The pottery was founded in Tunstall, Staffordshire, England, in 1875. It produced earthenware and ironstone at Royal Albert Works and Highgate Potteries in Tunstall until it closed in the 1960s.
Your pattern, "Royal Cameron," is characterized by the cobalt blue and rust pattern and gold design. It was inspired by the Imari porcelain exported from Japan in the 17th and 18th centuries. China that was made in Japan was exported through the port of Imari, thus the name. The designs became so much in demand that European potteries eventually began copying the patterns.
The mark you described was first used around 1937. Your berry dish would probably be worth $15 to $25.
Q. This is a photo of the paper label on a porcelain figurine that I was given around 1958. The figurine is a young woman with two poodles on leashes. She stands about 6 inches tall and is wearing a white gown with applied flowers, and her hair is blond. She holds a gold chain leash in each hand.
I bought a poodle puppy in the late 1950s and collected images of poodles. This is one of my favorites. Other than sentimental value, is my figurine worth anything?
A. The "AA" label was used by ARDALT Corp., a company of importers that established offices in New York City in 1945. It exported giftware, tableware and vases from Japan. The number on the porcelain is a design number.
There is not a large market for ARDALT figurines of young females with poodles. Yours would probably fetch $25 to $35 in an antiques shop or online.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
© 2016, Creators Syndicate