A delftware Plate painted with dwellings beside a river. Probably Liverpool, circa 1760
This delftware plate is painted in blue with dwellings beside a river and an overhanging rock on which stands a willow tree. The outer edge is decorated with a loop and dot border, punctuated by stylised shell motifs. There are three stilt or spur marks to the underside, showing how the plate was stacked in the kiln for firing. The tiny white speckling within the blue painting is sometimes seen with Liverpool as well as Irish tin-glazed wares.
Condition: Very good – typical losses to the fragile tin glaze around the edge, and characteristic potting and firing flaws, including pinholes, a glazed chip within the foot rim, lumpy glaze, and clay tears. No restoration.
Dimensions: Diameter 23.3 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).