Name/Title
PlateEntry/Object ID
A1982.14.48Description
Circular plate decorated with a powder blue ground with four fish-shaped reserve panels on the rim and a large pillow-shaped panel in the center with ogee-curved sides, containing a chinoiserie landscape scene with a latticework fence, pine tree, and figure.
The shape of the central panel and the design of the chinoiserie latticework fence, pine tree, and figure suggest that this plate was probably made at the pottery of William Griffith (d. 1761) at Lambeth High Street in London (Archer, Delftware (1997), 143-144). The pottery was established in the former Hereford House in Lambeth High Street from about 1732. Griffith operated the pottery by about 1740, and by 1751 it was known as Griffith’s. Its output was considerable, and his 1761 obituary claimed that he was “the most considerable potter in England” (Britton, London Delftware (1987), 55-56).Context
Blue and white porcelain ceramic objects, imported from China, were immensely popular and fashionable both in England and the American colonies. These pieces were often expensive, and the opportunities to purchase them could be limited. James Logan is known to have entered a raffle for the opportunity to purchase Chinese export porcelain.
In England and Europe, white tin-glazed earthenware was often decorated with blue glaze in imitation of Chinese porcelain. The central design on this plate especially recalls Chinese motifs and modes of depiction, evident in both the fence and the style of the tree. Blue and white tin-glazed earthenware was not nearly as refined as Chinese porcelain, but gave a similar impression on the table for much less money.Collection
CeramicsMade/Created
Manufacturer
Probably Lambeth High StreetDate made
circa 1740 - circa 1750Time Period
18th CenturyPlace
City
LondonCountry
EnglandRegion
Great Britain, British Isles, Western EuropeContinent
EuropeMaterial
Tin-glazed EarthenwareRelationships
Related Events
Event
1982 Archeological ExcavationRelated Entries
Notes
Matches A1982.14.47 (CO47)