On to my study in green, or Royal Doulton’s Countess pattern – not their modern-day version that in my opinion did nothing to improve on the old. But the older one in green that makes its appearance both in a 1920s mystery series, as well as an end-of-the 19th century English drama.
I first noticed this Royal Doulton pattern when I started watching the televised version of Kelly Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Set in the 1920s of Melbourne, Australia, the televised version features Essie Davis, who absolutely shines in the role of this indomitable female private detective who is the perfect foil for the local detective and man of few words, Detective Jack Robinson.
The pattern is really eye-catching, probably meant for someone like me who appreciates symmetry and precise detail. It feels quite stately and traditional, and I love the pops of green in the medallions.
From what I can tell of the history of the pattern and the style of Royal Doulton mark, the two cups and saucers I’ve found would not have been around before 1902, and more likely were made in the 1920s. So just right to have been new for Phryne Fisher’s time period.
For the other series, however, Lark Risk to Candleford, this china set would have been a little too new to have been postmistress Dorcas Lane’s tea set, I think.
This series depicts life in rural Oxfordshire, England at the end of the 19th century. It’s a lovely slice-of-life series, a coming-of-age story for the young girl, Laura Timmins, who goes to live with her mother’s cousin to help out in the post office. While the stories are narrated from her point of view, there are lots of side plots and changes for the whole slate of characters in her life.
Just one more lovely cup to take out and curl up with in the library, along with a good book or show!
Very Nearly Tea Time 