Mid-19th Century English Black Transferware Romantic Scenic Platter, Circa 1850–1870

Details

Description

A wonderfully atmospheric mid-19th-century English black transfer-printed earthenware platter featuring an elaborate romantic park gathering.

At the center, fashionably dressed … Read more A wonderfully atmospheric mid-19th-century English black transfer-printed earthenware platter featuring an elaborate romantic park gathering.

At the center, fashionably dressed figures gather beneath a monumental old tree for refreshments and conversation, with formal garden architecture and picturesque buildings receding into the landscape. An intricate floral inner border surrounds the scene, while the broad charcoal-black diaper-pattern ground incorporates four additional scenic reserves depicting figures and landscapes.

The exceptionally detailed border and nearly monochromatic palette give the platter unusual decorative presence. At more than 15 inches wide, it displays beautifully as a standalone object on a console, mantel or cabinet and would also make an impressive addition to a collection of English transferware.

The platter is unmarked. Two old inventory/dealer labels survive on the reverse, including a Lockson London/New York label and an earlier handwritten inventory label describing the piece as “Black Tray,” c. 1870. Both have been retained as part of its provenance.

The piece retains abundant evidence of its age and early ceramic manufacture, including extensive fine crazing, transfer wear and irregularities, uneven transfer application, scattered discoloration and glaze/firing imperfections. There are also small areas of rim and glaze loss. These imperfections give the surface a particularly appealing timeworn character. No known structural cracks or repairs.

England, circa 1850–1870.

Dimensions:
15.25” W × 12.25” H × 1.5” D

Weight:
2 lb 12 oz See less