Early 19thC Coalport Horton & Rose Hand Painted Porcelain Plate 22cm

This attractive early 19th‑century porcelain plate is a fine example of the much sought‑after Coalport “Horton and Rose” style of decoration, notable for its bold palette and botanically inspired enamelling. Measuring approximately 22 cm in diameter, the plate presents a richly hand‑painted floral design on a deep cobalt blue ground, a classic colour scheme of quality English porcelain of the Regency period.

The front of the plate is dominated by a large central flower in a warm orange enamel, surrounded by broad green leaves that are carefully shaded to suggest veining and depth. Around this main bloom are additional stylised flowers in white, orange and iron‑red tones, with radiating stamen details that echo Japanese and Chinese ornamental motifs then fashionable in English design. Interwoven through the composition is delicate gilded foliage, applied in fine brushstrokes that form sprays of leaves linking each floral element. The gilt is typical of Coalport work from the first quarter of the 19th century, combining both solid and linear areas to create contrast against the dark ground.

The cobalt blue ground itself is well applied and clean, creating a dramatic backdrop that enhances the brightness of the enamels. The spacing of the decoration shows a confident balance: the large central bloom anchors the composition, while the surrounding flowers and leaves radiate towards the rim, giving the plate a full yet not overcrowded appearance. This style is closely associated with Coalport’s more opulent wares, often produced for the higher end of the domestic market.

The reverse of the plate is plain glazed white, typical of early Coalport and other Shropshire factories of the period, and the footrim shows the expected age‑related wear from almost two centuries of handling and display. The absence of a printed or painted factory mark is not unusual for Coalport pieces from the early 1800s; many were unmarked or carried only workman’s marks that have either been lost or are very faint. The profile and potting are consistent with early 19th‑century English porcelain, with a gently sloping rim and a neatly turned foot.

Condition, based on the images provided, appears good for its age. The enamels retain strong colour and gloss, and the gilding, while showing the light wear that collectors expect from genuine period use, is still clearly visible around the floral sprays and along parts of the rim. There are no obvious major cracks or structural repairs apparent in the photographs. Any minor rim nibbles, surface scratches, or kiln imperfections would be considered normal for a hand‑made piece of this date, and they contribute to its authenticity as an early 19th‑century object.

At 22 cm in diameter, this plate would originally have formed part of a dessert or cabinet service, intended either for formal dining or for display in a cabinet or on a sideboard. Today it works equally well as a single statement piece, bringing a strong Regency colour scheme into both traditional and modern interiors. Collectors of Coalport, early English porcelain, or bold Imari‑influenced decoration will appreciate the combination of rich cobalt ground, vivid enamels and extensive gilding that defines this plate.

Overall, this Coalport Horton and Rose plate represents a desirable and relatively scarce survival from the early 1800s, combining decorative impact with historical interest. Its hand‑painted nature ensures that each example is slightly individual, and the good overall condition makes it well suited to both serious collecting and high‑quality decorative use.