These exquisite hand-painted Delft dishes, made in Bristol, England, circa 1760 and inspired by Chinese blue and white porcelain, are a perfect example of the mid-18th century English delftware artisans’ skill and creativity. The deep cobalt blue on the pale bluish glaze accentuates the delicate chinoiserie design. The center of each dish features a lovely garden scene, with three types of flowers; peony, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum – each with its rich symbolism in traditional Chinese culture. The peony represents wealth, prosperity, and prestige, while the plum blossom symbolizes integrity, persistence, and the endurance of hardship. Finally, the chrysanthemum, a symbol of happiness, vitality, and longevity, completes this beautiful trio of flowers. With a diameter of 9″ and a thickness of .75″, these dishes are the perfect size for display or use.
In excellent condition, with slight edge frits invisibly restored, these dishes would be a valuable addition to any collection or a beautiful gift for a loved one.
Made in Bristol, England, circa 1760, this set of four blue and white hand-painted Delft dishes is decorated in beautiful deep cobalt blue on a pale bluish glaze. These dishes have a beautiful delicate chinoiserie design. In the center, we see a lovely garden scene with flowers of three types emanating from rockwork: a large peony, a flowering chrysanthemum, and a plum blossom tree in full bloom. Peonies, plum blossom trees, and chrysanthemums each originated in China. The peony represents wealth, prosperity, and prestige in Chinese literature and tradition. At the same time, the plum blossom symbolizes integrity, persistence, and the endurance of hardship, and chrysanthemums symbolize happiness, vitality, and longevity. English delftware artisans of the mid-18th century often took inspiration from designs on imported Chinese blue and white porcelain.
Dimensions: 9″ diameter x .75″
Condition: Excellent with slight edge frits invisibly restored.
For a similar Delft dish, see English Delftware in the Bristol Collection by Frank Briton image and description on pg 190 image 12.24.