Antique Collingwood Ceramic Trompe-Loeil Fried Eggs Novelty Plate, 1903

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Description

Two raised, golden-yellow yolks sit prominently within an undulating white centre moulded in relief to imitate fried egg whites. The … Read more Two raised, golden-yellow yolks sit prominently within an undulating white centre moulded in relief to imitate fried egg whites. The surrounding surface is dusted with finely speckled reddish-brown pigmentation simulating pepper or paprika, creating a trompe-l'œil novelty presentation typical of decorative kitchenalia and side-plates. Moulded from glazed white ceramic, the plate features a shallow well and a smooth rim with a glossy vitreous glaze throughout. On the upper left rim, an unintentional brush stroke of yellow enamel from the decorator remains under the glaze, alongside occasional pinpoint firing specks and minor glaze bubbles characteristic of early twentieth-century pottery production. The reverse reflects the deep contours of the twin raised yolks as two corresponding concave depressions. Stamped in green underglaze is the British registered design mark 'Rd. Nº 410522', which dates the registration of this distinctive novelty design precisely to 1903. While traditionally catalogued under Collingwood China, the piece neatly exemplifies the Edwardian appetite for humorous trompe-l'œil tableware. Measuring approximately 18 cm in diameter, this compact circular dish was conceived as a decorative cabinet piece or whimsical breakfast plate. Its surface glaze remains bright and reflective across both raised yolks and the plain border. The plate survives in very good original condition, free from chips, cracks, hairlines, or restoration. Wear is restricted to factory-inherent traits, including the stray rim paint and slight kiln pinholes. See less