Early American Blackberry Transferware Gentleman's Shaving Set, Complete 4-Piece, C. 1810-1820

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. A treasured discovery from a historic Vermont country house estate
Sometimes we find things that we just absolutely LOVE! … Read more . A treasured discovery from a historic Vermont country house estate
Sometimes we find things that we just absolutely LOVE! This is one such treasure - discovered at a distinguished Vermont country house estate, where generations of careful stewardship have preserved the finest examples of early American decorative arts. The moment we spotted this complete early 19th-century American transferware shaving set, we knew we'd found something truly special.
The Blackberry Pattern:
This stunning brown transferware design showcases the naturalistic motifs beloved during America's Federal period. The blackberry pattern, with its botanical accuracy and artistic sophistication, represents the pinnacle of early American ceramic artistry when transferware techniques were still relatively new to American potteries.
Complete Gentleman's Toilette Set:

Toothpaste Cup: 5" x 3" - for the gentleman's daily dental care
Shaving Cup: 4.5" x 4" - perfectly sized for lathering soap
Covered Soap Dish: 6" x 3.5" - elegant storage for precious soap
Shaving Water Bucket: 10" x 7.5" - the centerpiece for morning ablutions

Historical Significance:
Early 1800s American bone china represents a pivotal moment when American potteries began mastering European techniques while developing distinctly American aesthetic sensibilities. The survival of a complete shaving set is remarkable - most were broken up over two centuries of use.
Vermont Estate Provenance:
From a historic Vermont country house where this set has been treasured for generations. New England estates are renowned for preserving exceptional examples of early American decorative arts, and this remarkable find exemplifies that tradition of careful stewardship.
Perfect for collectors of early American ceramics, transferware enthusiasts, or anyone fascinated by the intimate daily rituals of 19th-century gentleman's life.
A window into early American domestic life
This extraordinary four-piece shaving set represents the sophisticated daily rituals of well-appointed gentlemen during America's Federal period. The complete survival of all four pieces offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century personal grooming practices.
The American Transferware Story:
During the early 1800s, American potteries were mastering the art of transfer printing, creating pieces that rivaled their English counterparts while developing distinctly American patterns. This "Blackberry Pattern" demonstrates the period's fascination with native botanical motifs, celebrating America's natural abundance. See less