Royal Crown Derby's Derby Border pattern features the manufactory's signature Imari palette—cobalt blue lattice, iron red floral motifs, and 22-karat gold detailing that frames an expanse of pure white bone china. This cream and sugar set delivers authentic European porcelain rather than contemporary imitations—a design featured regularly in traditional and maximalist table settings for its versatility across both formal services and eclectic tablescapes.

This listing includes:

• One (1) Creamer - 3.5" height (8.9cm), 10 oz capacity
• One (1) Covered Sugar Bowl with Lid - 3.5" height (8.9cm)

Condition: Excellent—no chips, cracks, or repairs. All 22-karat gold intact with no wear on rims, handles, or lid finial.

Details:

• Collection: Royal Crown Derby | Design: "Derby Border" (Pattern A.1253)
• Material: English bone china with hand-painted Imari-inspired border decoration and 22-karat gold detailing
• Production Period: 1962-2014 (backstamp date cipher LII indicates 1992 production)
• Authentication: Red Royal Crown Derby backstamp reading "ROYAL CROWN DERBY ENGLISH BONE CHINA" with pattern name "Derby Border A.1253" and date cipher LII
• Rarity: Discontinued pattern from Royal Crown Derby's celebrated Imari-inspired collection

Perfect for:

• Formal afternoon tea service and coffee presentations
• Holiday entertaining and Thanksgiving table settings
• Adding Imari-inspired accents to existing china services
• Wedding gift sets for couples building heirloom collections
• Mother's Day gifts and generational heirlooms
• Bridal shower gifts and hostess presents
• Christmas morning breakfast tables
• Mix-and-match table styling with complementary patterns
• Completing or expanding existing Derby Border collections
• Anniversary gifts celebrating British porcelain heritage

Looks beautiful in:

• Formal dining rooms on sideboards and credenzas
• Butler's pantries displayed on open shelving
• Traditional breakfast rooms on serving trays
• China cabinets alongside other Royal Crown Derby pieces
• Kitchen open shelving as decorative accent pieces
• Tea cart styling for portable service

Complements Decor Styles:

• Grandmillennial and Maximalist interiors
• Old Money European and British Country House aesthetics
• Traditional and Transitional dining rooms
• Chinoiserie-inspired collections
• Imari pattern collections across makers

The Derby Border pattern showcases Royal Crown Derby's mastery of the Imari aesthetic—cobalt blue crosshatch panels alternate with diagonal striping and delicate red floral cartouches, all outlined in rich 22-karat gold. The design creates visual interest at the rim while leaving the body of each piece pristine white, making it exceptionally versatile for serving everything from cream and sugar to sauces and condiments. The gilded handles and lid finial add functional elegance to these perfectly scaled serving pieces.

History of Pattern and Brand:

Introduced in 1962, the Derby Border pattern represents Royal Crown Derby's modern interpretation of the Imari designs that made the manufactory famous throughout the Victorian era. Royal Crown Derby, established in 1750 and granted its royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1890, became synonymous with England's finest bone china production. The pattern remained in production until 2014, making pieces from this era increasingly scarce as collectors seek to complete or expand their services.

Care Instructions:

• Hand wash recommended to preserve 22-karat gold detailing
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
• Do not microwave due to gold decoration
• Store with felt or cloth separators between stacked pieces
• Handle lid carefully—avoid thermal shock from extreme temperature changes

Shipping:

• Museum-quality packaging with full insurance
• Each piece individually wrapped in acid-free tissue and bubble wrap
• Lid secured separately within the sugar bowl for safe transit
• Boxed with cushioning to prevent movement during shipping
• Expedited shipping available upon request
• International buyers responsible for customs duties and import taxes