{"product_id":"shelley-dainty-hand-painted-seafoam-trio-cup-saucer-side-plate-circa-1928-1929-made-in-england","title":"Shelley 'Dainty' Hand-Painted Seafoam Trio — Cup, Saucer \u0026 Side Plate, circa 1928–1929, Made in England","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere is a particular kind of thrill in finding a piece of china that was made by hand at a time when the factory floor was already moving toward mechanisation. This Shelley \u003cem\u003eDainty\u003c\/em\u003e trio — cup, saucer, and square side plate — dates to the exact launch window of the matching Dainty Square plate profile, circa 1928–1929, and it was decorated not by a transfer decal but by a single painter's hand. That distinction matters more than it might first appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eDainty\u003c\/em\u003e shape (Registered No. 272101) was designed by Rowland Morris in 1896 and remains the most coveted profile in Shelley's history — its six-petalled scalloped form mimics a blooming flower in three dimensions. The matching Dainty Square side plate (Registered No. 735121, 14cm) was introduced in 1928 to modernise the line, and the green shield backstamp reading \"Shelley England\" — without the word \"Ltd\" that was added permanently by 1930 — places this trio right at that inaugural moment. A considered addition to any serious Shelley collection, or a quietly beautiful starting point for someone discovering the brand for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this trio apart from the vast majority of Shelley china on the market is the decoration technique. Most Shelley pieces feature lithograph transfer decals — crisp, uniform, and printed. This set carries a hand-applied underglaze enamel wash: the soft, mottled seafoam green that coats the cup interior and plate rims has the organic, watercolour quality that only a brush can produce. The pink starburst blossoms and green foliage on the exterior were similarly hand-applied, giving the set a warmth and slight variation that printed pieces simply cannot replicate. On the base of each piece, the initials \u003cem\u003eDMS\u003c\/em\u003e appear alongside the factory stamp — whether a decorator's mark, a retailer's code, or a quality inspector's notation, their meaning is unconfirmed, but their presence on all three pieces confirms this trio was finished as a matched set by the same hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shelley Potteries, Longton, Staffordshire, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dainty (cup \u0026amp; saucer, Reg. No. 272101) \/ Dainty Square (side plate, Reg. No. 735121)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1928–1929\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cup 6cm high; saucer and side plate 14cm diameter\/width\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine English bone china\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-applied underglaze enamel — seafoam green interior wash, pink starburst florals and green foliage exterior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition overall. The enamel colours are crisp and vibrant, with no chips or restoration across the set. There is one very short, stable hairline on the exterior of the cup rim — visible only on the outside and not penetrating through to the interior, which is completely intact. It is the kind of mark that speaks to nearly a century of careful life rather than any structural concern, and it does not affect the presentation of the set. Some light base wear consistent with age — entirely expected. The \u003cem\u003eDMS\u003c\/em\u003e initials and factory backstamp are clear and legible on all three bases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe photographs form part of the condition report — please review all images carefully before purchasing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand wash only in warm water with a mild detergent. Do not soak. Avoid abrasive cloths or scourers. Not dishwasher safe. Keep away from sudden temperature changes to protect the enamel and bone china body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePostage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis trio is offered with free tracked domestic postage Australia-wide, fully insured for its purchase value. Each piece is individually wrapped in acid-free tissue and bubble wrap before being packed together in a double-box system — a box within a box, with void fill throughout — to ensure the set arrives at your door in perfect condition. If you have any questions about postage or packaging, please don't hesitate to get in touch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shelley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42634677878830,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2808\/9574\/files\/ShelleyTrio1.jpg?v=1786951706","url":"https:\/\/jacquifink.com\/products\/shelley-dainty-hand-painted-seafoam-trio-cup-saucer-side-plate-circa-1928-1929-made-in-england","provider":"Jacqui Fink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}