Antique 19th Century British Lilac Moulded Border Plate 23cm

This antique 19th century British plate is a charming example of everyday tableware from the Victorian period, notable for its softly lilac–tinted glaze and richly moulded rococo-style border. Measuring approximately 23 cm in diameter, the plate has a deep, gently dished well and a scalloped rim that undulates in a series of lobes, each accentuated with raised, scroll-like ornament. The relief moulding around the edge is characteristic of mid- to late-19th century British ceramic design, when manufacturers frequently embellished otherwise plain-glazed wares with elaborate borders to catch the light and add a sense of refinement to the table.

The body appears to be an earthenware or early ironstone-type ceramic, covered with a pale lilac to grey-lilac glaze which gives the piece its distinctive soft colour. The glaze pools slightly in the recesses of the moulding, subtly emphasising the sculpted scrolls and shell-like flourishes. There is no printed decoration or transfer pattern, so the visual interest is created entirely by the interplay between the relief border and the even, slightly cool-toned ground. Pieces of this sort were often produced by Staffordshire and other English potteries during the 19th century, intended for domestic dining yet sufficiently decorative to be displayed when not in use.

The plate is in fair to mid condition consistent with age and regular use. Close inspection reveals a general scattering of surface scratches and utensil marks across the central well, typical of a functional piece that has seen many years of service. Around the rim there are several more noticeable condition issues: areas of wear and small chips or losses to the glaze and body at some of the high points of the scalloping. These are visible as darker or discoloured patches where the underlying ceramic is exposed. The moulded scrollwork at the edge also shows some rubbing and softening of detail from handling and cleaning over time. There is overall age-related crazing and light staining to the glaze, especially towards the outer edge, giving the piece an appealing, gently timeworn character that many collectors of antique ceramics appreciate.

Despite these imperfections, the plate remains structurally sound and retains its full, attractive form. The rim is intact, with no major cracks radiating into the plate, and the piece still displays well on a stand or within a wall arrangement of antique plates. The neutral lilac ground makes it particularly versatile for decorative use, harmonising with both traditional and modern interiors. It would sit comfortably alongside other 19th century British earthenwares, ironstone, flow blue, or transfer-printed wares, and could also serve as an accent piece within a more eclectic ceramic collection.

For collectors, this plate offers a representative example of Victorian domestic ceramics that showcases period taste for ornate, moulded edges coupled with relatively restrained overall decoration. It can be appreciated both as a piece of social history—evoking the everyday dining habits of 19th century Britain—and as an attractive decorative object whose subtle lilac hue and flowing rococo border lend a quiet elegance to any display. Its moderate condition is reflected in its value but also underscores its authenticity as a genuinely used antique, rather than a later reproduction.