English Creamware Cornucopia Wall Pocket and Flowers Plate

$550

£415.74

€476.87

CA$766.72

A$834.64

CHF 443.03

MX$10,042.52

NOK 5,613.76

SEK 5,143.79

DKK 3,561.21

About the Item

18th Century English Creamware Plate, Cornucopia of Flowers This elegant English Creamware Plate is a beautiful example of the hand-painted, refined earthenware that characterized English pottery in the late Georgian era, following the technical innovations of potters like Josiah Wedgwood. ________________________________________ Description and Context Medium: Creamware (Lead-glazed earthenware) Region: English, likely Staffordshire or Yorkshire (Leeds Pottery). Period: Circa 1780–1800. Dimensions: 883 inches diameter ×1 inch high. The plate's decorative schema is centered on a brightly hand-painted motif in the well, featuring a cornucopia or horn-of-plenty, rendered in a scrolled brown form to mimic either pottery or perhaps a wicker basket. This vessel overflows with a spontaneous bouquet of flowers, foliage, and, notably, a charming cluster of ripe strawberries. The border is framed by a narrow blue rim and features a distinctive and unusual repeating pattern of reddish-purple mounds (likely manganese-derived pink/purple) separated by small blades of green grass. This particular border design is unique and suggestive of a specific decorator's or workshop's hand. ________________________________________ Historical Significance The Creamware Revolution Creamware (or Queen’s Ware, as named by Wedgwood after Queen Charlotte) was perfected in the 1760s and was highly fashionable throughout the late 18th century. It superseded the earlier, heavier salt-glazed stoneware and darker Whieldon-type wares. Its lightweight, refined body, clean lines, and translucent, slightly creamy-toned lead glaze offered an ideal, affordable alternative to Chinese and European porcelain, dominating the English and export tableware markets. Hand-Painted Enamels and Decoration While early creamware was often simply molded (e.g., feather-edge, reticulated), the late 18th century saw a flourishing of overglaze enamel decoration. The colors, applied on top of the already-fired glaze and then fixed in a lower-temperature petit feu muffle kiln, allowed for a wider, more delicate palette than the high-fired colors of the earlier era. The "Cornucopia of Flowers" motif on this plate is a classic emblem of abundance and the bounty of nature, perfectly aligning with the popular naturalism of the period. The inclusion of the strawberry plant, a symbol of righteous innocence and perfection, adds a touch of sentimentality often favored in domestic wares. "Outside Decorated" The term "outside decorated" (or "out-decorated") refers to creamware blanks—undecorated pieces—that were produced by major English factories (like Wedgwood or Leeds) and then purchased and painted by independent decorators or by foreign workshops (e.g., in the Netherlands or other Continental centers) to suit local tastes. The individuality of the border on this plate suggests it may be one such piece, decorated by a specialist painter or small studio working outside of the main factory system. The bright, spontaneous, and charming nature of the painting is characteristic of this independent decoration. This plate stands as a fine example of the high quality and popular decorative trends of late 18th-century English earthenware, reflecting its role in elevating the status of everyday tableware to that of refined decorative art. Ref: NY10171-nam)

Dimensions:
Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 8.38 in (21.29 cm)
Style:
Georgian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Creamware,Pottery
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1800-20
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Downingtown, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: NY10171-nam1stDibs: LU861039324212

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