Antique Blue and White Serving Bowl

Details

Description

This vintage ceramic bowl is a striking example of 19th-century transferware, likely English in origin. Here’s a detailed description:

Form … Read more This vintage ceramic bowl is a striking example of 19th-century transferware, likely English in origin. Here’s a detailed description:

Form & Structure
• Shape: Rectangular with deeply scalloped, wavy edges and gently canted corners. The raised fluted rim and gently indented interior create elegant shadow lines and visual depth.
• Relief: There’s a pronounced foot rim on the bottom, indicating it was designed to sit slightly elevated on a table—typical of serving or display pieces from the Victorian era.

Decoration
• Color: Cobalt blue on a creamy off-white base, with subtle signs of age and patina, especially around the edges and back.
• Design: The central motif features a floral medallion, while the wide rim is densely decorated with scrolling foliage, florals, and lattice-like textures—likely made via transfer printing, a technique popular from the early 1800s onward.
• Edge Detail: The border design fades into the center with flourish-like swirls, giving the impression of layered depth and ornamentation.

Condition
• Signs of Age: There is some browning and wear on the foot rim and reverse side, along with minor crazing or discoloration that adds character and authenticity.
• Surface: The glaze has a slightly crackled appearance consistent with age, and there may be slight imperfections from the original firing or years of use.

Probable Origin & Use
• Era: Likely mid to late 1800s.
• Origin: Possibly Staffordshire, England—famous for this type of blue-and-white transferware.
• Function: Likely used as a small serving platter or underplate, though its ornate quality suggests it was also decorative. See less