Shell Edge 6.38 inch plate printed with a rooster or cock, ca. 1810. |
According to the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. The New Year begins on January 28 and lasts until February 15. As I have mentioned in other *Chinese New Year posts (see below), each animal has symbolic meaning. The rooster is the symbol of fidelity and punctuality. And more.
The rooster was a popular 19th century transferware pattern. Here are a few.
Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co. (1862-1904) "Fables" 9.75 inch plate. The title refers to the Fables of Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695). There are at least 24 different patterns in this series. |
Maker Unknown, 5.5 plate printed with a version of the Fox "Quadrupeds" pattern seen next. Both are copied from the same source print, which is found the "Cabinet of Quadrupeds" by John Church. |
John Hall (& Sons) 1814-1832 "Quadrupeds" undertray, ca. 1825. |
"Fox" print (notice that the rooster appears to be warning the farmer that foxes are in the barnyard) from the "Cabinet of Quadrupeds" by John Church, 1805. |
One more pattern.
Child's jug printed with a rooster. It is copied from a print by the English engraver and naturalist, Thomas Bewick 1753-1828). |
Thomas Bewick's print. |
You may wonder why someone who writes about British transferware is writing about Chinese New Year. Simple. I like animals and animal patterns.
Chinese Zodiac |
If you want to know more about Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rooster, follow this link.
*Here are links to my other Chinese New Year posts.
Dragon For The Chinese New Year
Year Of The Horse
Year Of The Sheep/Goat/Ram
Year Of The Monkey 2016
A rooster defends the chickens to his death. I'm surprised the rooster didn't get a jump on the fox before the fox jumped on the chicken. I was born in the year of the rooster. I like the Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co. (1862-1904) "Fables" that I call mouse eyes lovers locked in love and is jealous :-)
ReplyDeleteI think the mouse is hiding!
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