A FINE PAIR of COPELAND SPODE PLATES w. FLORAL DECORATION, 1885

This is a lovely pair of decorative plates with incised, scalloped edges rims decorated with gilt overlay. 

The rich cobalt blue, cream and white rims feature four white contrasting ovals decorated with floral sprigs and framed in gilt. There are stylized gilt sprigs and sprays overlaid against the cobalt blue. 

The impressed centres are beautifully trimmed with a wide gilt band surrounded by a frame of curlicues, leaves and flowers.

The centres are then individually decorated with beautiful sprays of flowers: purple anemone surrounded by springs of forget-me-nots on one and a spray of orchids and bell-shaped flowers on the other. Both floral centres stand out against white backgrounds.

The plates are noteworthy for both the fineness of their painting and the depth and vividness of their colour.

Spode was founded at Stoke, England in 1776 and remained in production there until 2008. The factory was noted for the fine quality of its china.

These two Victorian era plates are an excellent example of Spode’s quality and beauty and would make a very pretty addition to a collection of high-quality English china.

Marked:  With the blue transfer mark of a geometric square overlaid with the letter ‘C” and a geometric frame, with the word “Spode” on top and “Copeland” on the bottom, the factory marks, the factory mark in use between 1875-90. Impressed mark below the glaze “F” above the number”85″ signifying manufacture in February of 1885 (pictured).