Two Blue Shell Edge Creamware Plates with American Great Seal

Staffordshire, England, early 19th century, each centering a hand-painted image of America's eagle and shield seal, the larger decorated with (11) stars, and the smaller with (9) stars, both unmarked.

9 3/4 in. diameter of larger

Private Collection of a Gentleman, Virginia

Acquired from the collection of Rob Hunter

Made for the American market by Staffordshire potters circa 1810. Typical examples are executed in four or five underglaze colors. Intended for the middle and lower classes, these patriotic dishes were not merely decorative but also much used on the table. Eagle-decorated plates are sometimes found in archaeological excavations, further confirming their intended use as functional tableware.

Literature: Robert R. Hunter Jr. and George L. Miller, “English Shell-Edged Earthenware,” The Magazine Antiques 145 (March 1994): 432–43 and Robert Hunter and George L. Miller “Suitable For Framing: Decorated Shell-Edge Earthenware” in Early American Life Volume XL No. 4 August 2009 pp. 8 - 19.

Parallels the Armans - Anglo-American Ceramics, Part I, Transfer Printed Creamware and Pearlware for the American Market, 1760-1860, p. 235, fig. AI.34.

Larger with a few minute glaze flaker to rim edge; larger underside inscribed with accession number.