On offer is a rare and impressive 18th-century English Delftware plate, originating from Bristol, one of the foremost pottery centres of tin-glazed earthenware in the United Kingdom during this period. This near-charger sized plate (30cm in diameter) is a fine example of English tin-glazed pottery, with bold hand-painted blue and white floral decoration inspired by early Chinese porcelain but rendered in a distinctively English folk-art style.

This substantial plate is hand-thrown and tin-glazed, showcasing a vivid cobalt blue design of stylized foliage and floral sprays. The decoration is broad and confident, characteristic of Bristol Delftware, which often drew on Chinese motifs but interpreted them with a looser, more expressive brush hand. The glaze has aged to a soft, slightly bluish tone with light craquelure, and the underside shows typical kiln stilt marks and a wide, flat, unglazed foot — further indicators of Bristol production.

The plate has undergone an older, non-professional restoration, having once been broken cleanly in half and repaired with visible rim chip infills and overpainting along the break lines. While the restoration has made the piece structurally stable and suitable for display, it is not of museum conservation standard. In the right hands, it would greatly benefit from professional restoration to better preserve its historical and aesthetic value. Despite this, the plate remains a rare and important example of 18th-century Bristol Delftware, and its size, decorative appeal, and provenance make it a highly desirable and museum-worthy piece of early English ceramic history.

📌 Key Features:
✅ Rare 18th-century English Delftware plate from Bristol
✅ Charger-sized at 30cm – ideal for wall display or centrepiece
✅ Hand-painted blue and white foliate design, inspired by Chinese porcelain
✅ Tin-glazed earthenware body with stilt marks and typical footrim
✅ Historically restored (clean break with professional join)
✅ Rich glaze with age-related patina and wear consistent with 1700s production
✅ A museum-worthy example of English decorative ceramics

🏺 About Bristol Delftware

Bristol was one of the leading centres of Delftware production in England from the late 17th to the mid-18th century. Its potters were renowned for producing vibrant blue and white wares, often imitating imported Chinese porcelain while incorporating uniquely English artistry. The kilns of Brislington and later Redcliff Street turned out thousands of functional and decorative pieces, many now housed in museum collections around the world.

This plate embodies that tradition — it is both decorative and historically significant, offering a direct connection to England’s early ceramic artistry.

✅ Perfect For:

✔️ Collectors of 18th-century ceramics or English pottery
✔️ Interior designers seeking authentic historical statement pieces
✔️ Museum-quality ceramic enthusiasts
✔️ Lovers of chinoiserie and early blue-and-white decorative arts

This is a rare opportunity to own a large, beautifully decorated example of Bristol Delft, restored for long-term enjoyment and presentation. Such pieces are increasingly hard to source in any condition, especially with this size and appeal.

📦 We ship worldwide – Shipping costs will vary based on your location and the service you choose, but you’ll always see the total including postage before confirming your purchase.

🛒 Add this exceptional piece of English ceramic history to your collection today – a true 18th-century gem not to be missed!

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