Dish, one of a pair

Date1753-1758

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 2 7/16"; L: 10 1/2"; W: 7 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-534,2

DescriptionDish in the form of a cabbage leaf, the stem curved back to form a handle. The veins of the leaf, in low relief, branch out toward the irregular, wavy, tuned-up edge. The dish has an irregular ring base. It is painted in overglaze enamels with green edge fading to yellow then white and purple veins.

Red anchor period.
Label TextJudging from the two red anchor period Chelsea catalogs, leaf dishes were used as stands for leaf basins and for small tureens in various shapes of nature, such as rabbits, cauliflowers, melons, and roses. They were also used as parts of dessert services, which would include various forms such as "scollop'd compotiers green leaves."

Although the sale catalogs listed various types of leaf dishes, including figs and sunflowers, cabbage leaves probably appeared most frequently.
InscribedAnchor painted red inside ring foot on reverse of each.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceM. F. Phillips, Milford, England