ANTIQUE ENGLISH BLACKBERRY BROWN TRANSFERWARE PLATE WITH COPPER LUSTRE, CIRCA 1840–1890

AT A GLANCE

• Antique British earthenware
• Brown transferware with copper-lustre clobbering
• Naturalistic blackberry, blossom, bud and leaf decoration
• Four repeating botanical sprays resting on delicate heather stems
• Narrow trailing-vine border
• Beautifully preserved white center
• Impressed “P” mark on the reverse
• Maker currently unknown
• Circa 1840–1890
• Measures approximately 9¾ inches in diameter
• Excellent antique condition
• Display stand is not included

Blackberries, blossoms and just enough copper lustre to make the whole thing glow.

This exceptionally pretty antique English plate features four naturalistically rendered blackberry stems arranged around a generous white center. Each branch combines ripening berries, serrated leaves, open blossoms and delicate buds, with a fine sprig of heather tucked underneath.

The original brown transfer decoration has been enlivened with copper-lustre clobbering, creating rich tonal variations from warm bronze and chestnut to deep, nearly black brown. A slender trailing vine follows the gently shaped rim and neatly frames the entire composition.

The unadorned center keeps the design from feeling overly busy and gives this plate tremendous decorative versatility. Display it alone, incorporate it into a botanical plate wall, or mix it with black, brown, mulberry and blue-and-white transferware. It would also be particularly beautiful layered with antique majolica.

The reverse bears a single impressed “P.” This mark has been documented on another example of the same pattern, but because it may relate to several different manufacturers, the maker remains unidentified.

CONDITION

Excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks, repairs or staining noted. Any minute variations in the transfer, lustre and glaze are consistent with the plate’s age and hand-finished manufacture. Please review all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.

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