Antique spongeware soup plate crimson red floral w green & blue accents, late 19thC earthenware / ironstone / tin glazed Welsh pottery

Antique spongeware soup plate in a deep crimson red floral design - a stunning example in excellent condition. Featuring lustrous reds with green & blue accents, this hand painted late 19thC earthenware (ironstone / tin glazed) bowl was likely made in Wales (or possobly Scotland) in the late Victorian period.

This gorgeous piece has a lustrous paint finish and has been very skillfully made. Unmarked and showing kiln stand marks and inclusions from wood firing adding to the an authentic charm of this rustic antique. Spongeware was commonly unmarked because it was often decorated by people at home. This is a charming piece of history from a cottage industry where someone from a household (usually the lady of the house) would pick up inexpensive blank plates from the pottery, then take them home to the kitchen table where she would apply the sponge work to them. The pieces were then returned to the factory for the second firing and sent out to retailers.

This design features stylised deep red flowerheads rendered in exuberant flourishes, alongside dainty forget-me-not flowers in blue and yellow. The classic forest green offsets the crimson red to beautiful effect. All the glazes are rich and deep, showcasing the variations in the hand applied patterning - a truly stunning effect in person!

Diameter: 24 cm
Height: 4.5cm

Condition is very good antique condition - no cracks or chips, a few small flea bite areas of glaze loss on the outer rim. Light scratches, scrapes and signs of use. Some crazing to be expected with age, no discoloration. Displays beautifully and still suitable for use if desired. Please see photos for condition.

A beautiful example of Victorian spongeware to use, display and enjoy!

Please feel free to ask any questions :)
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Notes on shipping -

I am very happy to combine shipping so please get in touch if you like multiple items in my store.

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I always shop around to ensure the best possible packaging and shipping solution for you. Rest assured I will be using all my skills as a former art gallery owner to ensure that this treasure makes its way safely to your home. I have shipped literally hundreds of fragile items to every continent over the past 20 years. Your shipment will be fully insured against loss and damage in transit so you can buy with confidence.