1870 Aesop’s Fables BEAR BEES Plate

SUPERB STAFFORDSHIRE TRANSFERWARE PLATE

AESOP'S FABLES

BEAR AND BEES

Copeland Potteries

Staffordshire, England  c1870

This outstanding and rare plate measures 10 1/4 " wide.  It is crisply transfer printed in black.

The plate has a wonderful scalloped edge and a spectacular image of a Bear  toppling a Bee skep.

A bear came across a log where a swarm of bees had nested to make their honey. As he snooped around, a single little bee flew out of the log to protect the swarm. Knowing that the bear would eat all the honey, the little bee stung him sharply on the nose and flew back into the log.

     This flew the bear into an angry rage. He swatted at the log with his big claws, determined to destroy the nest of bees inside. This only alerted the bees and quick as a wink, the entire swarm of bees flew out of the log and began to sting the bear from head to heel. The bear saved himself by running to and diving into the nearest pond.

The Moral of the Story: 

It is better to bear a single injury in silence than to bring about a thousand by reacting in anger.

The plate displays beautifully and is in great condition.