Featured Glasgow Scotland Transferware - Help with Chinese Figures, etc

So I have a beautiful antique transfer ware jug that I believe was made by J Thomson & Sons of Annfield Pottery, Glasgow, Scotland. The pattern is called Shanghai. I haven't been able to find another piece in this pattern by this maker. The jug is just under 8" tall.

I have 3 questions:

1) What can you tell me about the Chinese figures? Are they playing instruments?

2) Should I leave it as is or give it a peroxide soak? (I sort of like it as is, but since I'll probably sell it, maybe I should clean it up?)

3) Is Scottish transferware more valuable than English?

Thanks!
Janice

 

Haven't got a clue what they are up to but if you decide to dip it in peroxide please show us the before and after images and tell us what you used. Tried it myself without any luck but may not have used a strong enough peroxide.
Cheers
Stephen

 

The seated man appears to be playing a drum. The standing man has something similar to cymbals?

 

The man standing looks as if he’s holding a brush, not the same shaped or size item in the other hand.

 

Yes, that's what I thought. I was wondering if there was any significance to the instruments or to the clothing the men are wearing.

 

I've had great success with 40% peroxide (purchased from a beauty supply shop). This piece is very stained, though, so I'm not sure how clean it would come. I expect it would take at least a week if not longer.

 

I'm speculating, some of the others may have actual information. Since they do not appear to be musical performers, wondering whether they are in fact praying or otherwise engaged in a religious activity. Maybe you have to make noise to get the gods' attention.

 

I wonder if the fellow on the right is getting ready to strike a gong.

 

I like this piece... there's something charming about it.

My thought is cymbals and gong.

 

Nice transferware, ascot, cute scene. I'm with Bronwen, cymbals and a drum.

Since these are Scottish made, and the design is probably based on a popular 19th century British etching, I don't think there is any Chinese significance.
It looks like the original artist couldn't even decide if they were Chinese or Persian. My vote is for Sino-Persian traders in Shanghai having a very good time.

 

That's the strength I use also. It comes in two forms.....cream and liquid.

I find the cream is easier to use, but I also like the liquid placed in a spray bottle to be used on bathroom appliances. No odor as in chlorine bleach.

Some stains can take longer......sometimes several days.

(I seem to like the piece as is too.)

 

Hi,
I have had similar pieces that I soaked for a week in 40% peroxide. I then put it in a COOL oven about 200 degrees for several hours. I place mine on a baking sheet and three layers of paper towels. A lot more of the "grease" and mess bakes out. Followed by a good soaking in water for a couple of days. I do not recommend this for any decoration that has a red or pink decoration. I have lost several pieces of red decorations that have faded or disappeared when soaked in the peroxide.
greg