SOME BACKGROUND:
My wife "collects" fabulous fancy chinaware, some "ordinary - everyday" chinaware and then these! This trio is special, very special ... very rarely did Royal Albert produce such colouring (Red Rose with Black/Silver leaves) but my wife considered it a perfect match for her other "special item" the masquerade mask.
The mask isn't just any party or ball mask, it is commonly known as being in the style of "Day of the Dead" celebrations.
Day of the Dead celebrations (Día de Muertos) should not be thought of as a scary or a macabre cult ritual but in fact it is a celebration of those who have "passed on", celebrating the connection between the living and the dead, the general cycle of life and the transformation from life to death and respectfully remembering those who have passed on. Additionally, some also add the idea that with the passing of a life, new beginnings will follow - Black for the passing and Red & Pinks for New beginnings.
The Black leaves or petals are a colour typically associated with death, the Reds and Pinks relate to new beginnings. The flowers most often used for this celebration are Marigolds and the Red spider represents the intricate web of life and death, connecting the spiritual realm with the earthly one.
The celebrations of Día de Muertos began hundreds of years ago, a blend of ancient Maya/Inca ceremonies and Catholic inspired beliefs (All Saints Day or All Souls Day) The celebrations are a joyous occasion, accompanied by dancing and singing. Remembering those who have "passed on" in a respectful way and also keeping in mind that new beginnings lie ahead.
Here are a couple of videos which give a short insight into the celebrations in Mexico and the other video provides detailed information about the history of this occasion.
DLAT RATING: 9.0/10 (Darling Look At This!)
This rating (my wife says) relates to both the Teaset Trio and the Day Of The Dead mask.
Unique, very different and yet these both have strong "cultural religious & belief" messages to convey - they are certainly not just a "horror mask or teaset"!
Yes, there are not a lot of Day Of The Dead celebrations held in Australia, although throughout Catholicism "All Souls Day" is strictly observed but in a slightly different way. NOTE that even if you cannot find a joyous Day Of The Dead celebration parade to join in, you can just hang the mask on the wall! Have a cuppa and quietly think of those loved ones who are no longer with you.
Now I will provide more detailed information about both the Teaset and then followed by the Day Of The Dead Masquerade mask...
ROYAL ALBERT - Teacup, Saucer & Side Plate (Offered separately or as a trio if all pieces still remain available)
Made In England
Prices indicated is for EACH PIECE, however if all three pieces of the teaset trio are selected then an automatic discount does apply in the checkout ... but wait there's more! No steak knives but if you add the masquerade mask (and who wouldn't?) the automatic discount increases even further, across all items here.
Circa 1980's
Bone China
Series: Unknown
Pattern: Unknown - my wife always called these her "Día de Muertos" Teaset, it's better than asking "would you like a dead cup of tea?" !!!
Actually my wife is aware of a very similar design from the Albert "stables" called Masquerade, with very similar graphics but the base colouring is completely Black, not White.
Translucent, which means if held up to a strong light source, you can easily see the shadow of your fingers through the china
Artwork is transferware, not hand painted
Shape: The teacup has the distinctive octagonal shape with a hi-back handle although not quite in the Queen Anne style.
The base china is pure White which contrasts starkly with the Black/Silver rose leaves (and even partially the bud) with the bud being a deep Crimson colouring. The design is comprised of a double flower and a single flower on each piece, with the teacup also having a single flower inside the teacup mouth.
Gold gilding has been applied to all top side rims, two rings around the base of the teacup and the top/both sides and back of the handle. The gilding has been applied as both a solid line plus feathering.
DIMENSIONS:
TEACUP: 87mm mouth x 68mm height
SAUCER: 139mm diameter
SIDE PLATE: 163mm diameter
COSMETIC CONDITION:
This first section of the condition report is universal to all three pieces, any difference or flaws are noted below this section
CLEAN
NO cracks
NO chips
NO crazing
NO discolouration observed to any area of the pure White base china, particularly inside the teacup where no tannin or other staining has occurred.
NO damage or wear is apparent to the teacup or the saucer
NO observable wear at all, not even the most handled areas such as the teacup handle and saucer edges.
NO fleabites to either the teacup or saucer
HOWEVER ...
The side plate does have a 60mm length of Gold gilding wear on the edge UNDER the top rim. This means that if the side plate is viewed from above, all looks fine, however view the side plate side on and as you rotate the side plate in your hand you will see the wear to the Gold gilding.
I also noticed the side plate had one small, non-coloured fleabite on the underside.
There are no further comments specific to any piece of the teaset trio
MASQUERADE MASK
Theme: Day Of The Dead
Moulded plastic mask (not porcelain!)
Skilfully crafted Pink & Black Marigolds with Yellow centre disc florets.
Skilfully hand decorated
Full face style - female
Rear silk ties for securing to the head or use the top silk loop to hand on a wall
The rear of the mask is lined with a Black felt to improve the comfort of the wearer.
Size: the oval face "cavity" measures 15cm across x 22cm height. While it comfortably fits my wife's face, it is too small for mine! No matter, it should be worn by a female in any case.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED (Just a couple of times!)
CLEAN (Very Clean)
NO discolouration or marks to the White base plastic
NO cracks or other damage
The flowers were "crushed" a little when packed into the storage box but I found these were easily "fluffed" back into the correct shape.
Straps and top loop support are secure and not damaged at all
I have now very carefully packed the mask into it's own custom made, strong cardboard box and sealed it within clear plastic to protect those flowers on the mask and also keep everything dust free.
