Magnificent & Rare Copeland Spode "December" Cabinet Plate - Dashing Elizabethan Skater, C. 1894

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…Magnificent & Rare Copeland Spode "December" Cabinet Plate - Dashing Elizabethan Skater, c. 1894
A Victorian Celebration of Romance & … Read more …Magnificent & Rare Copeland Spode "December" Cabinet Plate - Dashing Elizabethan Skater, c. 1894
A Victorian Celebration of Romance & English Heritage
A very rare and magnificent bit of English porcelain that captures the Victorian era's passionate romance with country life, all things British, and the theatrical revival of Elizabethan costume and culture. This extraordinary Copeland Spode cabinet plate from circa 1894 is a masterpiece of storytelling through ceramic art - a window into Victorian sensibilities and their idealized vision of England's golden age.
Superbly Painted Artistry
Dashing Elizabethan Hero - The centerpiece is a handpainted view of a skater in the most dashing and sexy Elizabethan hero's costume imaginable - complete with a magnificent mustache, striped tights, and a jaunty pose that embodies all the romantic swagger of a bygone era. This figure represents the Victorian fascination with theatrical masculinity and historical romance.
Masterful Character Study - Every detail of this gallant figure has been lovingly rendered by a master painter - from the confident stance to the period-perfect costume details. This isn't just decoration; it's character portraiture that brings a fictional hero to vivid life.
"December" Seasonal Narrative - Titled "December," this plate tells the story of winter's pleasures and the timeless appeal of skating, rendered through Victorian eyes with their love of seasonal celebration and outdoor pursuits.
Exquisite Decorative Elements
Wildflower Border Symphony - The verge is covered with a profusion of wildflowers, painted with botanical accuracy and artistic flair. These delicate blooms create a romantic frame that speaks to the Victorian love of nature and garden beauty.
Signature Copeland Deep Green Band - The wildflowers culminate in the distinctive Copeland band of deep green - a sure sign of winter and a hallmark of the factory's sophisticated color palette. This rich green provides dramatic contrast and seasonal authenticity.
Fluted Edging Elegance - The fluted edging adds architectural sophistication to the plate's profile, creating play of light and shadow that enhances the overall visual impact.
Rare Historical Significance
Victorian Cultural Zeitgeist - This plate perfectly captures the 1890s resurgence of interest in Elizabethan costume and the Victorian romanticization of England's past. It's a tangible piece of cultural history that reflects the era's values, dreams, and aesthetic ideals.
Copeland Spode Legacy - From one of England's most prestigious pottery houses during their golden age of artistic achievement, when they were creating some of the most sophisticated decorative porcelain ever produced.
Cabinet Plate Prestige - At 10.5 inches, this substantial cabinet plate was designed for display rather than daily use - a luxury item for the cultured Victorian home where such pieces demonstrated refinement and artistic appreciation.
Authentic Character & Condition
Evidence of a Life Lived - Over time, some of the gilding has rubbed off, but we love that evidence of a life lived. This honest wear speaks to the plate's journey through history and adds authentic character that cannot be replicated.
Sound as the Pound - Otherwise structurally perfect, with vivid colors and masterful craftsmanship that rings out over the centuries since this cabinet plate was crafted. The porcelain remains pristine, and the painted decoration retains its original brilliance.
Superb Preservation - The fact that such intricate handpainting has survived in such remarkable condition for nearly 130 years is testament to both Copeland's superior materials and the care this piece has received.
Investment in Victorian Artistry
Museum-Quality Rarity - Copeland Spode cabinet plates from this era, especially with such elaborate figural decoration and clear seasonal narrative, are increasingly rare and sought after by serious collectors.
Cultural Artifact - This piece represents multiple collecting categories: Victorian decorative arts, English porcelain, seasonal/calendar series, and Elizabethan revival memorabilia.
Specifications
Maker: Copeland Spode, England
Date: Circa 1894
Title: "December"
Dimensions: 10.5" diameter x 0.5" depth
Subject: Elizabethan Skater in Period Costume
Decoration: Hand-painted with Wildflower Border
Edge: Fluted with Deep Green Copeland Band
Condition: Excellent with Minor Gilt Wear
Type: Cabinet/Display Plate
Style: Victorian Elizabethan Revival
This extraordinary plate doesn't just decorate - it transports you to a world where romance, history, and artistry converged in perfect Victorian harmony. A treasure for the collector of English ceramics, Victorian decorative arts, or anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling through visual art.
Ready to bring the dashing romance of Victorian England's golden dreams to your collection - because some stories deserve to be told for centuries.
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