Antique Cobalt Porcelain Dartmouth Castle Plate by J.H. Plant for from Coalport, 1890s

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A scalloped rim framing a circular central medallion forms the canvas for this English bone china cabinet plate, painted with … Read more A scalloped rim framing a circular central medallion forms the canvas for this English bone china cabinet plate, painted with a coastal view of Dartmouth Castle in Devon. The landscape captures the fortified stone walls and towers overlooking calm waters, with small rowing boats resting on the pebbled foreshore in the foreground and rolling hills receding into soft haze beyond. The composition is signed lower right of the scene by the ceramic artist J.H. Plant. Surrounding the central scene is a broad border of rich cobalt blue ground, richly ornamented in gilt. Rococo-style foliate scrolls, floral sprigs, and strapwork encircle the inner reserve and spread across the rim, terminating in a gently lobed, gilt-edged profile. The combination of intense underglaze blue and raised burnished gilding provides a striking contrast against the delicate, muted tones of the watercolours. Measuring 22.5 cm across, the reverse bears the green printed Coalport crown backstamp incorporating 'England', alongside the pattern reference 'X 2169' and the hand-inscribed location title 'Dartmouth Castle' in red-brown script. These factory markings indicate production dating from around the 1890s. The plate presents in very good antique condition, with minor rubbing to the gilded rim edge consistent with careful display and light age-related surface crazing. An area of historic paper label residue remains on the unglazed foot rim area at the rear. See less