Early Creamware Hand Painted Dish c.18thC – Antique 20cm Display Plate

Indulge in the quiet elegance of early English ceramics with this beautiful early creamware hand painted dish, a refined piece that captures the artistry and restraint of 18th-century taste. With its softly toned body, delicate decoration and time-earned character, this 20cm plate offers an authentic touch of period charm to any curated interior or fine pottery collection.

Creamware, first perfected in England in the mid-18th century, was prized for its light, creamy body, fine potting and sophisticated appearance. This particular dish exemplifies those qualities: thinly potted, gracefully proportioned and enhanced by hand painted decoration that speaks to the skill of the original artisan. No two hand painted creamware pieces are ever truly identical, and this example has a quiet individuality that makes it especially appealing.

The surface is adorned with freehand painted detailing, applied with a confident, practiced brush. Subtle variations in line and tone reveal the human hand behind the work, giving the piece a warmth and personality that modern, factory-made ceramics simply cannot replicate. The decoration sits beautifully against the soft cream ground, creating a harmonious and understated aesthetic that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors.

With a diameter of approximately 20cm, this dish is an ideal size for display. It sits comfortably on a plate stand, within a cabinet, or as part of a wall arrangement of antique plates. Whether styled as a single statement piece or integrated into a larger display of creamware, pearlware or early porcelain, it brings a sense of history and refinement to the space.

As with many genuinely early ceramics, this piece bears evidence of its age and long life. There is a chip to the back, mentioned here for accuracy. This does not detract from its decorative impact when displayed, as the imperfection is largely concealed from the front view. Many collectors value such signs of age as part of the object’s story, reinforcing its authenticity and period character.

This dish will appeal to anyone with an eye for Georgian and early 19th-century ceramics, as well as to those who appreciate the subtlety and restraint of early creamware. It sits comfortably alongside Leeds-style wares, early pearlware, and other hand painted pottery of the same era. Its neutral palette and elegant simplicity also make it easy to integrate into modern, minimalist interiors, where a single antique piece can provide depth and contrast.

Ideal for:

• Collectors of antique creamware and early English pottery
• Interior designers seeking an authentic period accent
• Stylists looking for a photogenic, characterful display piece
• Gift-givers searching for a unique, historically interesting object

Key details:

• Type: Early creamware hand painted dish / plate
• Decoration: Hand painted design
• Diameter: Approx. 20cm
• Condition: Chip to back; otherwise a charming, highly decorative piece
• Use: Best suited as a display / cabinet / wall piece

This is not a modern reproduction but a genuine early creamware dish with all the subtle irregularities, tactile qualities and patina that discerning collectors look for. Its understated luxury lies in its authenticity, its craftsmanship and the quiet story it carries from a more measured, artisanal age.

If you require further information, additional photographs or close-ups of specific areas, please feel free to send a message with any questions. This is a lovely opportunity to acquire an early creamware hand painted dish with excellent decorative presence and timeless appeal.