Bowl, 5.5 inches diameter. Black transfer with polychrome clobbering. Maker is the Worcester Royal Porcelain Co. The bowl is marked with two versions of the Royal Worcester crown over a circle with a monogram, one impressed and the other printed overglaze. It was common for Royal Worcester to impress the mark in biscuit ware and then print another version of the mark when a piece was decorated. The printed mark has the date cipher for 1877. There is also an overglaze painted pattern number ‘9659.’. The pattern is a typical Aesthetic Japonesque pattern, with a crane in flight above two floral motifs. The border consists of linked bamboo rods or branches and was used by the maker for other similarly-styled patterns.

The first production of porcelain in Worcester took place in 1751. An eminent surgeon, Dr John Wall, perfected the secret recipe for the production of soft paste porcelain and a factory was founded on the banks of the river Severn. The river was essential for transporting both production materials and wares. Having gained a reputation for producing quality tableware, Worcester flourished under the guidance of a series of owners. The companies were Chamberlains, Flight Barr, Lockie and Grainger, and Binns Kerr. All made improvements to the manufacture of porcelain, adding new glazes, shapes and designs. The Worcester factory was able to engage the services of excellent artists and some of the finest porcelain was produced there. Royal patronage was added, firstly by king George III in 1789 and has been continually reviewed and renewed with each change of monarch. In 1862 The Royal Worcester porcelain company was formed. The factory continued producing mainly tableware during the nineteenth century and a few figurines were introduced, mostly by James Hadley.