A Pair of Copeland Spode Reticulated Plates c.1848

A wonderful pair of hand painted and reticulated fine bone china cabinet plates made by Copeland Spode circa 1848.

The fine flower painting is possibly the work of the great porcelain artist Greatbatch.

He specialised in flower painting, working at the Spode factory with his brother, who was a gilder, between 1845 and 1860.

Some of the brothers work was exhibited representing the Spode factory during the Great Exhibition, otherwise known as the Crystal Palace exhibition, which took place in Hyde Park in 1851.

The reticulation is technically difficult due to the possibility of warping and splitting during firing. 

The flower painting style is soft and in the romantic school and the composition is natural and loose.  

Several firings would have been done with multiple layers of enamels to produce the final effect.  

These plates really are for the cabinet rather than the table and demonstate the quality and skill of the Spode factory in the mid 19th century.

I am offering them for sale as a pair because I think they display very well together, but am willing to split them upon request.

Maker's marks:
Small dark green printed Copeland Spode mark used on high quality bone china wares and given as used between 1851-85 by Godden.

A hand painted pattern number in red 7913,  this dates the plate specifically to 1848 and no later which contradicts the Godden dating of the printed mark but we can accept as more accurate as this is derived from the Copeland Spode pattern books

Dimensions:
1st plate 242mm diameter  2nd plate 239mm diameter

Weight:
1st plate 382g 2nd plate 389g

Age:
177 years

Condition:
Excellent condition:  A few minor scratches to the glaze and some wear to the gilding, otherwise excellent antique condition, no chips or cracks or restoration

Maker:
Copland Spode