Swan China | Four-Piece Porcelain Part Tea Set | Roses & Gold Sponging

Swan China | Four-Piece Porcelain Part Tea Set | Roses & Gold Sponging

Pink roses beneath a fine scatter of gold: a tea-table set made for an occasion.

The pieces bear a swan backstamp with the words “Swan China – Hand Painted”. The manufacturer and country of origin have not been established. Their combination of floral sprays, gold sponging and shaped porcelain forms reflects a decorative style associated with 20th-century tea ware.

The set has four pieces: a large cake or serving plate, a smaller tea plate, a milk jug and a lidded sucrier with twin scroll handles. Each is decorated with sprays of pink roses and small blue flowers on a pale blue wash, set within gold sponging. The floral sprays appear to be transfer-printed, while the gold sponging and gilt edging appear to have been applied by hand. The plates have gently scalloped, gilt-edged rims. The jug and sucrier have lobed bodies on shaped feet, with gilt rims, and the sucrier lid rises to a gilt-lined finial.

Condition is excellent. There are no chips, cracks, crazing or restoration, and the gilding is bright and intact.

Key Details

• Maker: Swan China (maker unidentified)
• Mark: swan above “Swan China – Hand Painted” in pink to the base
• Material: porcelain
• Period: 20th century
• Set comprises: cake/serving plate, tea plate, milk jug and lidded sucrier
• Condition: excellent
• Buyer profile: afternoon-tea hosts, collectors of floral china, and anyone dressing a display cabinet

Collector Appeal

These four pieces share the same rose decoration and scattered gold, yet each has a place of its own: the larger plate for cakes, the jug and sucrier beside a teapot, and the smaller plate for serving or display. Together they keep the character of a tea service without needing a full setting.

A few pieces are sometimes enough to give an afternoon its own occasion.