Antique Wedgwood Georgian Gilt Porcelain Dish c1820, 21cm

This attractive antique dish is an early 19th‑century piece of Wedgwood porcelain, dating to the Georgian period around the 1820s. It is a fine quality, fully hand‑decorated example with a printed red Wedgwood mark to the underside, characteristic of early porcelain production at the factory. Measuring approximately 21 cm in width (see tape measure photograph), it is a versatile cabinet or dessert dish that displays beautifully on its own or as part of a larger service.

The decoration is particularly striking. Around the broad rim runs a continuous border of stylised shell or palmette motifs, reserved in soft blush tones and richly picked out with burnished gilt. Between these medallions sit white, lanceolate leaf reserves, further highlighted with gold. Behind the shells is a deep cobalt or mazarine blue ground, cross‑hatched with fine gilt lines to create a strong neo‑classical effect typical of late Georgian taste. The inner well is framed by a narrow gilded line and centred with a delicate radiating floral or sunburst motif in gold, giving focus to the design without overpowering the richly worked border.

The body is a hard, fine porcelain with a slightly bluish cast when viewed at the footrim, consistent with early Wedgwood porcelain rather than later bone china bodies. The underside carries the simple printed “WEDGWOOD” mark in red, positioned within the recessed foot. This style of mark is compatible with early 19th‑century production and supports an approximate c.1820 date. There are no modern marks or codes, reinforcing that this is an authentic antique example rather than a later reproduction.

Condition is commensurate with age and use. The images show typical wear to the gilding on the rim and inner circle, light surface scratches, and some discolouration or staining to the glaze, especially in the central well and on the underside. There may be minor firing imperfections, small abrasions to the rim and light age‑related crazing, all common features in genuine period porcelain and part of the dish’s antique character. Buyers should study the photographs carefully to assess the exact condition; they form an important part of the description.

This dish is a desirable item for collectors of early Wedgwood porcelain and Georgian gilt wares. The bold shell and gilt border, combined with the scarce red printed mark and relatively early date, make it more unusual than many later Victorian pieces. It would sit well in a cabinet display of English Regency ceramics, alongside Worcester and Coalport of the same era, or could be used as an elegant underplate, dessert dish, or small serving piece on special occasions. Multiple examples are said to be available, making it an excellent opportunity to build up a small matching group or to replace missing items from an antique service.

Overall, this is a genuine period Wedgwood porcelain dish with richly gilded neo‑classical decoration, measuring about 21 cm in diameter, and offering both decorative appeal and collectable interest to the serious ceramics enthusiast.