These transferware pieces rarely survived over the years as they are so intricate in their design.  Called a chestnut bowl, or "Castañera" in Spanish, it is a specialized bowl designed for serving chestnuts, with a reticulated (pierced) or slotted design at its sides to allow for steam to escape and excess syrup to drain. These bowls were particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, with fine examples often featuring elaborate decorations and being part of a larger dish service.  This stunning purple and white example comes from the Staffordshire pottery Booths and depicts a gorgeous bucolic scene of a small herd of sheep grazing in a pasture with an English cottage seen in the background. The detail is delightful; a collectors coveted scene including sheep. The intricate open reticulated detail is just stunning.  The handles and sides are adorned with tiny leaves and flowers.  

Measures: 8” x 2" deep

Condition: Only some crazing and staining to the bottom. There are no chips or cracks that I could find, which is pretty rare. Overall, considering age and the intricacy in design it is in Gorgeous condition!

To learn more about English transferware and see it in many practical and decorative uses please visit me at one of the places below:

BLOG: www.nancysdailydish.blogspot.com
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/transferware
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/English-Transferware/277105748523
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/transferware

Featured on Etsy November 2012:

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/collecting-english-transferware-one-womans-story