Years ago, when I was studying at Oxford University, I loved poking around in the charming old shops in town center. If you avoided the tourist-tchotchkes-key-chain-selling establishments, there were wonderful treasures to be found. One of those great finds for me was
Isis Ceramics. A bespoke English delftware company named for the nearby Thames (known locally as the Isis), Isis Ceramics was founded in 1988 by Deborah Sears. A phenomenally talented painter, Sears created a series of china patterns - all hand painted by herself and local artistans - in the chinoiserie style. Each piece is a unique artwork, as beautiful as it is unusual. They are gasp-worthy in person, and I treasure my own Isis Ceramics!
These patterns also put me in mind of some of Southern designer
Phoebe Howard's work. Wouldn't Isis pieces look stunning in these dining rooms? The wall murals and the china coordinate beautifully. I wish I knew who Howard had used to paint/paper these spaces.
P.S. Isis Ceramics also creates exquisitely beautiful custom china for weddings. Brides and grooms can choose a unique design that reflects scenes and symbols special to them. Isis Ceramics also provides a bridal registry, where guests' names are painted onto the back of their gifts to the couple.
