Antique Hand-Painted Porcelain Coalport Fruit Cabinet Plate by Frederick Chivers, 1921

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Description

A central circular medallion painted with an arrangement of orchard fruit on a mossy, earth bank anchors this decorative bone … Read more A central circular medallion painted with an arrangement of orchard fruit on a mossy, earth bank anchors this decorative bone china cabinet plate. The composition features a yellow apple, a ripe plum, clusters of purple grapes or blackberries, and small berries scattered across the ground. Signed by the ceramic artist Frederick Chivers in the lower left corner of the scene, the study demonstrates meticulous stippling, soft tonal transitions, and rich textural shading characteristic of early twentieth-century English fruit painting. Framing the central panel is a broad, vibrant teal-green border finished with a gently scalloped rim. This striking turquoise ground is heavily enriched with acid-etched or raised-style gilt scrollwork, foliate flourishes, and classical urn motifs, all enclosed within chased patterned gold bands along the inner well and outer edge. The contrasting palette pairs the cool tone of the teal enamel with the warm reflective lustre of the heavy gilding. The reverse of the plate bears the printed green Coalport crown backstamp reading 'Made in England', alongside the painted pattern reference 5351/R.

Produced circa 1921, this piece measures 23 cm in diameter and was designed specifically as fine ornamental cabinetware, showcasing the factory's celebrated skill in luxury bone china decoration during the interwar period. The plate remains structurally sound, with no chips, cracks, hairline fractures, or evidence of restoration. The gilded surface and painted enamel roundel remain crisp and vibrant, showing minimal handling wear. Fine micro-crazing is present to the clear glaze on the underside only, leaving the front display surface clear and bright. See less