This is a mid-18th-century creamware dish with exquisite tortoiseshell decoration. Made in England circa 1765, the plate is decorated in brown, green, and gold hues. The tortoiseshell decoration, also known as Whieldon ware, was developed by the English master potter Thomas Whieldon. To create this seemingly contemporary, abstract look, dry powdered metallic oxides were dusted onto the buff or cream-colored plate after its initial firing. The colored oxide stains ran freely when heated in the kiln. As a result, each piece of tortoiseshell creamware is unique. The plate was molded in a press, which created a raised scalloped design on the edge. Saltglaze and creamware plates with this edge were used in Colonial America and were found at Colonial Williamsburg.*

Dimensions: 9.25″ diameter

Condition: Very good with fine light craquelure in the glaze

* See Salt-Glazed Stoneware in Early America by J Skerry and S F Hood, pg 232 Pattern F2. Dept Arch. Res., 17GA-0090