A Bristol delftware Plate, Richard Frank, Redcliff Back, circa 1760
This Bristol delftware plate was made at Redcliff Back, under Richard Frank. The press-moulded fluted border and scalloped rim is decorated with repeated foliate designs in a style known as ‘bianco-sopra-bianco‘, or ‘white on white’. Although inspired by the incised patterns found on the rims of Chinese export porcelain, the name alludes to the use of this decoration on 16th-century Italian maiolica at Faenza.
The main pattern, painted in manganese, blue and yellow, is of an oriental river scene, showing two hatted men standing on a small bridge, alongside which is moored a small sailing boat. The bridge links the foreshore with a small island dominated by an enormous rock formation, topped by a willow. Immediately adjoining this rock is a small two-storey dwelling. In the background can be seen the other side of the river with its distant hills. This central scene is framed by a narrow circular border of geometric designs in the Chinese idiom.
Condition: Typical minor flaking to the rim found on most tin-glazed earthenware items, and very faint crazing to the greenish-blue glaze. Small spur or stilt marks can be seen on the reverse, indicating how such wares were stacked and fired in the kiln. No restoration.
Dimensions: Diameter 22.5 cm
Delftware: The Tin-glazed Earthenware of the British Isles, Michael Archer (V&A/HMSO, 1997).
English Delftware, F.H. Garner and Michael Archer (Faber & Faber, 1972).