Antique Wedgwood Georgian Gilt Porcelain Dish c1820, 21cm

This attractive early 19th‑century dish is an authentic example of Georgian Wedgwood porcelain, dating to around the 1820s. Made in fine, white porcelain and decorated in richly detailed overglaze enamels and gilding, it is a striking display piece that also illustrates the high quality of Wedgwood’s lesser‑seen porcelain production of the period.

The dish measures approximately 21 cm in diameter, as confirmed by the tape shown in the photographs, making it a useful size for cabinet display or for use as a serving or dessert dish on a period table setting. The rim has a gently undulating, hand‑finished edge typical of early 19th‑century manufacture, giving a subtly faceted outline when viewed from the back.

The decoration is strongly neoclassical, in line with Regency taste. Around the wide border runs a continuous band of stylised shell or anthemion motifs painted in a soft apricot‑flesh tone and reserved against deep cobalt‑blue panels. These roundels are further heightened with intricate hand‑applied gilding, including scrolling flourishes and delicate starbursts that catch the light beautifully. Between the roundels are white spear‑shaped reserves, also edged and detailed in gold, creating a rhythmic, architectural feel reminiscent of classical friezes.

The inner cavetto is encircled by a narrow gilt line, now showing some expected rubbing from age and use, and the centre is decorated with a finely detailed gilt floral radiating motif. This central device is crisply executed and helps balance the richness of the border, leaving a clean area of white porcelain around it. The overall palette of white, cobalt blue, apricot, and gold is very much in keeping with fashionable Regency colour schemes and would have harmonised well with other luxury wares of the period.

The reverse of the dish is plain glazed white, with a raised footrim. To the centre is a faint but legible printed “WEDGWOOD” mark in red. This style of red printed mark is associated with early 19th‑century production and supports the Georgian dating given in the notes. It confirms manufacture by the Wedgwood factory rather than a contemporary imitator, an important point for collectors. The glaze on the back shows the subtle undulations, tiny firing specks and light wear you would expect from genuine antique porcelain of this age.

Condition appears generally good for a piece of around 200 years old, but, as always with early gilded wares, there is some rubbing and minor loss to the gilt edging and high points of the pattern, visible in the photographs. The rim shows small manufacturing irregularities and light surface wear from use and stacking. There are no obvious major cracks visible in the images; any small firing lines, kiln dust, utensil marks or age‑related glaze imperfections should be regarded as part of the authentic character of original Georgian porcelain rather than flaws. Prospective buyers should study the images carefully to assess exact condition, as they form part of the description.

This dish would originally have formed part of an expansive dessert or supper service, and it is increasingly uncommon to find individual survivors with such elaborate hand‑gilded decoration still intact. The combination of a rare early Wedgwood porcelain body, period red factory mark, and richly executed neoclassical pattern makes it a desirable addition for collectors of Wedgwood, Georgian tablewares, or Regency design. The seller notes that multiple examples may be available; assembled as a group, these dishes would create a particularly impressive display on a wall or in a cabinet, and they lend themselves equally well to sympathetic use on special occasions.

For serious collectors and decorators alike, this authentic c.1820 Wedgwood Georgian gilt dish offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a genuine antique piece with strong decorative presence, clear period character, and confirmed factory attribution.