Antique Davenport Gaudy Dutch Floral Plate c.1810, 24cm

This attractive early 19th‑century plate is a fine example of the richly coloured “Gaudy Dutch” style associated with the Davenport manufactory and other Staffordshire potteries of the Regency period. Dating approximately between 1805 and 1820, it displays the exuberant hand‑painted decoration, strong enamel colours and touches of gilt that made these wares popular both in Britain and for export.

The plate measures about 24 cm in diameter, as shown in the image with the tape measure, giving it a good cabinet size for display while still suitable for use as a dessert or side plate in its day. The body is of a pale, slightly creamy earthenware with a clear lead glaze over both sides. The front is profusely painted with a central stylised floral spray, dominated by bold underglaze and overglaze cobalt‑blue floral forms picked out with fine gilt detailing. Around these, smaller flowers in iron‑red, orange, yellow, pink and puce are scattered among green foliage, with delicate brown tendrils meandering across the surface to fill the ground, a characteristic trait of Gaudy decoration. The painter has used thick, glossy enamels that stand slightly proud of the surface, and the composition has an almost radial arrangement that draws the eye to the centre of the plate.

The rim is very lightly shaped and finished with a narrow hand‑applied gilt line, now softly rubbed in places from two centuries of handling. The reverse is plain glazed, without printed marks, which is entirely typical for Davenport and related Staffordshire wares of this early date. The back shows extensive age‑related crazing with associated toning, particularly within the recessed foot, consistent with genuine period manufacture and long‑term use. The body ring and footrim wear also support an early 19th‑century attribution.

Condition is commensurate with age and use. The images reveal several hairline cracks and a more notable rim chip or loss, as well as overall glaze crazing and discolouration to the back. There may be minor fritting, small nibbles and surface scratching to the enamels and gilding. These faults should be regarded as part of the plate’s historical character rather than defects, but they are important for collectors to note when assessing display and handling. Despite this honest wear, the vivid palette remains strong, and the central design is largely intact, making the piece visually striking when viewed from the front.

For collectors, this plate offers a good reference example of early Gaudy Dutch decoration from the Davenport circle. The combination of powerful cobalt reserves with scrolling multicoloured flowers, together with the modestly scalloped profile and unmarked, crazed reverse, helps distinguish it from later Victorian Gaudy pieces and continental imitations. It would display particularly well in a wall group or cabinet of early Staffordshire and Georgian ceramics, complementing Imari‑inspired wares and other colourful hand‑painted services of the period.

Whether acquired as a study piece, for its decorative presence, or as part of a focused collection of Davenport and Gaudy Dutch pottery, this 24 cm plate encapsulates the lively, informal charm of English earthenware at the turn of the 19th century.