Rare 19th Century Antique Victorian Copeland & Garrett Agateware Pottery Cheese Dish and Lid English Ceramic Art Pottery

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This exceptional 19th-century Victorian Copeland & Garrett agateware cheese dish with its original domed lid is a rare and visually … Read more This exceptional 19th-century Victorian Copeland & Garrett agateware cheese dish with its original domed lid is a rare and visually arresting survivor of English ceramic artistry at its height. The richly marbled body displays dramatic flowing striations in warm earth tones—creams, browns, ochres, and soft grays—creating a natural stone-like appearance that feels both organic and architectural. The domed lid is crowned with a boldly formed finial, while the matching platter base grounds the piece with classical symmetry and elegance.

Measuring an impressive 13 inches high by 11 inches wide and deep, the piece commands attention with its sculptural presence and mesmerizing surface. In remarkably perfect condition with no chips, cracks, or damage, this cheese dome represents a museum-quality example of Victorian agateware. Please review the photos for further condition assessment.

Agateware emerged in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as potters sought to emulate the beauty of natural stone, particularly agate and marble. Rather than applying surface decoration, artisans achieved this effect by blending differently colored clays together before throwing or molding, slicing and shaping the clay so the colors flowed through the body itself. Each piece was therefore entirely unique, its pattern determined by the skilled manipulation of the clay rather than paint or glaze alone. Copeland & Garrett, active during the early Victorian period, were renowned for their technical excellence and refined taste, making surviving examples of this scale and quality especially scarce.

Both functional and decorative, it would have graced an affluent table while simultaneously signaling taste and status. Today, it serves as a striking centerpiece for a dining room, sideboard, or curated interior—an extraordinary and very rare find that embodies the innovation, craftsmanship, and visual drama of 19th-century English pottery.

Don't miss this opportunity to own this amazing piece. It won't last long! We will carefully double box and package with insured signature delivery service. See less