Blue Willow Teapot Appraisal

Ringtons Tea Blue Willow Pattern Tea Caddy and Matching Teapot Set

This is a two-piece ceramic set consisting of a square-bodied tea caddy and a matching square-shaped teapot, both featuring the iconic 'Blue Willow' transferware pattern. Produced for the historic English tea company Ringtons Ltd, likely by Maling Pottery or a similar North East England ceramic manufacturer, these pieces date to the mid-20th century (circa 1920s-1950s). The set is constructed from white glazed earthenware or ironstone, decorated with a high-contrast cobalt blue Chinoiserie scene depicting pagodas, bridges, willow trees, and the legendary pair of birds. Both vessels feature faceted corners and stepped, pyramid-style lids with central finials. The tea caddy is strictly rectangular for storage, while the teapot includes a short decorative spout and a sharp-angled d-handle. The transfer application shows good alignment with minimal blurring, a hallmark of Ringtons' promotional quality. Surfaces appear to be in excellent condition with a high vitreous gloss, no visible crazing, chips, or staining, though minor manufacturing 'stilt marks' or glaze pops may be present on the base. The base typically bears the 'Ringtons Limited' backstamp, often noting the Newcastle-on-Tyne origin. This set represents a fusion of functional tea storage and traditional English collectible pottery.