A Child’s Nursery Plate, pottery, English, circa 1840
The centre of this child’s pottery nursery plate is transfer-printed in blue with The Cossack, a titled scene depicting a man on horseback holding a lance. The outer edge of the plate is moulded with flower heads and feathery swags, the flowers picked out with red, green, and ochre enamels. It is likely that the flowers were painted by one of the many number of children who worked in the factories during the 19th century.
There are two unidentified marks on the base (a black circle with a dot). Three tiny spur marks arranged in a triangle reveal how the plate was supported during firing in the kiln.
Condition: There is a small flaw to the edge of the plate which appears to have been disguised with blue enamel during manufacture. There is a tiny nick to the foot rim, and an unglazed patch to the centre of the base. Typical scuffs and wear to the surface consistent with use, but in remarkably good order for an antique child’s plate. No restoration.
Dimensions: Diameter 14.2 cm