Early 19th Century Wedgwood Creamware Floral Border Plate 20cm

This attractive antique plate is an early 19th century example of Wedgwood creamware, finely decorated with a hand-painted floral border. Measuring approximately 20 cm in diameter, it represents the refined yet practical tablewares produced by Wedgwood in the decades around 1810–1830, when elegantly painted creamware remained a staple of fashionable English dining.

The body is a warm off‑white earthenware typical of Wedgwood’s creamware, with a clear lead glaze that has developed an appealing network of age‑related crazing. The front is dominated by a broad, gently sloping border; the central well is left plain, providing a calm ground that offsets the richly coloured decoration around the rim. The enamelled border is composed of flowing garlands of stylised flowers and foliage, arranged as a continuous wreath. Bold, star‑shaped orange‑red blossoms with yellow centres alternate with large, serrated green leaves, interwoven with scrolling tendrils, small green buds, and tiny pink berry motifs. The design is executed in bright overglaze enamels, applied by hand with fine outlining and detailing to the petals and veins of the leaves. A narrow black line at the outer rim and a further line defining the cavetto provide a crisp frame and help emphasise the clean circular form of the plate.

The reverse of the plate is plain, save for a moulded impressed “WEDGWOOD” mark, consistent with early 19th century production. The glaze on the back also shows even crazing and a few small firing imperfections, which are characteristic of period creamware and confirm its age rather than detract from its appeal. The foot is lightly formed and unglazed at the resting edge, as expected on utility wares of this date. A later dealer’s label notes the attribution to Wedgwood and describes it as a coloured border plate, further supporting the identification.

Pieces such as this would originally have formed part of a larger dinner or dessert service, combining plain cream centres with vivid enamelled borders so that the decoration remained visible when food was served. The floral pattern reflects Regency taste for bright botanical ornament inspired by contemporary pattern books and printed textiles. The restrained palette and rhythmic repeat of the design show Wedgwood’s characteristic balance between decorative richness and clarity of form.

For today’s collector, this plate offers both aesthetic charm and historical interest. It displays beautifully on a wall or in a cabinet, where the ring of orange flowers and fresh green foliage catches the eye. The moderate 20 cm size is ideal for grouping with other creamware or early porcelain plates, and the relatively neutral cream ground allows it to mix well with a variety of period tablewares. Its condition, with expected surface wear and craquelure but no obvious major structural damage visible in the images, makes it a very presentable example of working‑period Wedgwood creamware.

Whether used as a reference piece for students of British ceramics, as part of a themed Wedgwood collection, or simply as a decorative accent in a period interior, this early 19th century Wedgwood creamware plate encapsulates the elegance and craftsmanship for which the factory is renowned. The finely painted floral border, clear impressed mark, and practical dinner size together create a charming and authentic surviving fragment of Regency dining culture.