{"product_id":"early-regency-royal-crown-derby-cobalt-and-gilt-soup-plate-c-1810","title":"Early Regency Royal Crown Derby cobalt and gilt soup plate c.1810","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis impressive early nineteenth‑century Royal Crown Derby soup plate dates from the Regency period, circa 1806–1825, and is a fine example of the factory’s luxury output in bone china. Measuring approximately 25 cm in diameter, it is of generous, deep “bowl‑plate” form, intended for soup or stew, with a broad, flat rim and a dished centre.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate is decorated in a rich cobalt blue and burnished gold palette that was particularly fashionable in the first decades of the 1800s. The wide rim is reserved in deep underglaze cobalt and overpainted with elaborate neoclassical gilt foliage. Stylised acanthus leaves and palmettes form a continuous scrolling band, punctuated by smaller floral and berry motifs that are finely chased and tooled. A narrow inner gilt line sharply defines the edge of the well, while the outer circumference is finished with a delicate gilded border that frames the entire piece and emphasises the pleasing circular profile.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe centre of the plate is left largely in the white of the body, enhancing the contrast with the dark border. It is embellished only with a small gilt floral spray, echoing the foliate work on the rim and giving the design a calm focal point. This restrained use of ornament in the middle is in keeping with Regency taste and allows food presentation while still conveying luxury.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside shows an iron‑red painted mark characteristic of early Crown Derby, together with impressed or incised workman’s marks typical of the period. The glazing and potting are consistent with early nineteenth‑century Derby production: a slightly creamy white body with a smooth, glossy glaze that has developed a fine network of age‑related crazing over time. This crazing, visible on both front and back, is common in early Derby wares and is usually due to differential expansion between body and glaze rather than misuse.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eCondition appears commensurate with age. There is overall crazing and some light discolouration and staining within the well, particularly towards the centre where liquids would have sat; this is typical of a functional plate of this era. Minor surface wear to the gilding can be expected, especially on the high points of the rim and along the gilt edge, but the cobalt ground and the bulk of the gilded ornament appear strong, retaining good colour and contrast. No obvious major structural damage is visible in the images, though collectors should always check for hairlines, rim frits or restoration in person or via additional close‑ups before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003ePieces of this date and quality from Royal Crown Derby are highly regarded by collectors of Regency ceramics and English porcelain more broadly. The combination of deep cobalt blue and elaborate gilding is one of the factory’s signature luxury schemes, and examples in this palette are frequently associated with high‑status table services commissioned for aristocratic or affluent households. A 25 cm soup plate such as this would originally have formed part of a larger dinner and dessert service, often accompanied by matching flat plates, tureens and serving dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eFor reference and further research, comparable cobalt‑and‑gilt Derby wares of the 1806–1825 period are illustrated in standard texts on the factory, where similar iron‑red marks and scrolling gilt decoration help confirm dating. This plate would sit comfortably in an advanced collection of English Regency porcelain, but it is also a striking decorative object for display. Its bold border and restrained central motif make it ideal for wall mounting or use in a cabinet, where the interplay of dark blue, rich gold and mellowed glaze can be appreciated under light.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this Royal Crown Derby soup plate represents a desirable combination of early date, classic factory colour scheme, and attractive, usable size. The honest age wear lends authenticity and period character without significantly diminishing its visual impact, making it both a collectible and decorative example of early nineteenth‑century English porcelain craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moffitts Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53587247137052,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/4630\/0188\/files\/57_6274f0f1-ec5f-4d26-91e2-0541f1070bcf.jpg?v=1767694929","url":"https:\/\/moffitts.co.uk\/products\/early-regency-royal-crown-derby-cobalt-and-gilt-soup-plate-c-1810","provider":"Moffitts Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}