“Weeping Willow Border” Transferware Plate

Staffordshire Transferware by Ralph and James Clews, circa 1820.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 10½” in diameter.
 
Description: 
This pattern by Clews is not specifically identified in the literature, but the Transferware Collectors Club has denominated it “Weeping Willow Border”. There are many versions, and the Club denominated this one #9.
 
The border consists of numerous types of foliage predominated by willow trees that fall over the border edge and into the central scene from the upper left.
 
The central scene consists of a dog and three individuals in the foreground, one of whom is smoking a pipe. Behind them is a lake or river on which there is a boat, behind which is a pagoda and other oriental buildings. 
 
The reverse has an impressed Clews mark, a label, and, possibly, a workman’s mark.
 
Elements of the central scene is derived from the print “Chinese Barges of the Embassy Passing through a Sluice on the Grand Canal” by William Alexander in Sir George Leonard Staunton’s 1797 book “An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of England to the Emperor of China”. 
 
Enoch Wood & Sons produced a similar series, with the weeping willow on the right side of the border. Stevenson’s “Palestine” series is also similar.
 
All three series are very dark blue and probably were made for the American market.
The pattern is generally discussed in “CHINOISERIE, Printed British Ceramics in the Chinese Style 1750 - 1900” by Halliday and Zeller at pages 41 and 72.
 
Condition: In excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.