A Chelsea Gotzkowsky-moulded Plate, Red Anchor period, circa 1755
This Chelsea plate is finely painted with specimen flowers, including a Dianthus (pink), and a butterfly with yellow and orange outspread wings. Scattered sprigs and leaves, along with a spray of tightly scrunched roses, balances the decoration.
The border is divided into eight alternately larger and smaller panels, the former decorated with Gotzkowsky floral moulding, or ‘damask’d’ flowers, the centre of the plate moulded with a floral wreath tied with a ribbon. The rim is painted with a brown line.
The Gotzkowsky name is taken from a Meissen service made for a merchant of that name.
Small red anchor mark.
The typical Chelsea ‘moons’ are visible with the aid of transmitted light.
Chelsea porcelain was aimed primarily at a wealthy market, and the factory was greatly patronised by the aristocracy of the middle years of the 18th century.
Condition: Good – no damage or restoration. There are small firing cracks inside the foot rim, and crazing to the glaze in places, mostly emanating from tiny firing blemishes. The painted decoration is wonderfully detailed, and there is virtually no wear. Chelsea fired their wares on ‘stilts’, and evidence of these kiln supports can be seen on the underside of the base.
This plate would make an attractive addition to any collection of early English porcelain.
Dimensions: Diameter 24 cm
Chelsea Porcelain, Elizabeth Adams (Barrie & Jenkins, 1987).
Chelsea Porcelain at Williamsburg, John C. Austin (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1977).