Wedgwood Blue Garland Cabaret Set with Pottery Tray

• Gilding - Gilding is a method of ornamentation whereby a thin sheet of gold metal is applied to items made of wood, leather, ceramics, glass and silver for decorative purposes.
  
  For furniture including mirrors, the sheet of gold is usually applied over a coating of gesso. Gesso is a mixture of plaster of Paris and gypsum mixed with water and then applied to the carved wooden frames of mirrors and picture frames as a base for applying the gold leaf. After numerous coats of gesso have been applied, allowed to dry and then sanded a coat of "bole", a usually red coloured mixture of clay and glue is brushed on and allowed to dry, after which the gold leaf is applied. Over time parts of the gilding will rub off so the base colour can be seen. In water gilding, this was generally a blue colour, while in oil gilding, the under layer was often yellow. In Victorian times, gilders frequently used red as a pigment beneath the gold leaf.
  
  Metal was often gilded by a process known as fire gilding. Gold mixed with mercury was applied and heated, causing the mercury to evaporate, the long-term effect of which was to kill or disable the craftsman or woman from mercury poisoning. The pursuit of beauty has claimed many victims, not the least of which were the artists who made those pieces so highly sought after today.
• Caberet Set - A cabaret set is another name for a small tea or coffee service, and usually consists of two cups and saucers, a small teapot, a sugar bowl, a cream jug and a tray.
• Floral Swag / Garland / Festoon - Floral swags are a decorative motif often used in the ornamentation of various objects, such as silverware, glassware, and furniture. The term "swag" refers to a garland or wreath of flowers, foliage, or other decorative elements, which is usually arranged in a loop or curve.
  
  Floral swags can be found in a variety of decorative styles, from ornate Baroque and Rococo designs to more naturalistic Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. They are often used to add a touch of elegance, refinement, or whimsy to an object, and can be seen on a range of items from chandeliers and candlesticks to picture frames and tea sets.
  
  In the decoration of silver objects, floral swags are often used to accentuate the curves and lines of the piece, and to add visual interest to the surface. Similarly, on glass objects, floral swags may be used to frame or highlight a particular area of the object, or to add a touch of color and delicacy.
  
  On furniture, floral swags can be found on a variety of pieces, from cabinets and armoires to chairs and sofas. They are often used to enhance the lines and curves of the furniture, and can be used to create a sense of movement and flow in the design.
  
  Overall, floral swags are a versatile decorative element that can be adapted to a range of styles and applications, and have been used in the decoration of various objects throughout history.
• Cabaret Set - A cabaret set, also known as a coffee or tea cabaret, is a set of matching cups, saucers, and serving pieces, typically including a coffee pot, tea pot, cream and sugar container, and a tray, used for serving coffee or tea. The term "cabaret set" comes from the fact that these types of sets were often used in cabarets, which are venues for entertainment such as music, dance, and theater. They were typically used in these venues to serve drinks during intermissions or after the performance.
  
  These settings were also popular in the Art Deco period, where they were used to entertain guests in private homes. The sets were often made of luxurious materials such as silver or porcelain and were decorated with bold geometric designs, stylized figures, and geometric shapes which are the hallmarks of the Art Deco style. The sets were often used to showcase the host's wealth, taste and cultural sophistication.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Wedgwood (England), item types
  • cruets & condiments 143
  • jugs and ewers 236
  • tea sets 199