Mauchline ware box

This small trinket box has a push on lid which bears a black transfer printed image taken from Burns' poem "Tam O' Shanter".  It shows Tam and his crony, Souter Johnnie at their ease in the inn, before Tam begins his perilous journey home.   Throughout the 19th century the cult of Burns rose to huge proportions. Images derived from his life and work, and of the poet himself were frequently used in domestic ornamentation and were to be found in most Scottish homes.  W and A Smith of Mauchline, Ayrshire developed the manufacture of transfer printed treen, or wooden ware which became highly popular as gifts and souvenirs.