Georgian Wedgwood Gilt Porcelain Dessert Dish c.1820, 21cm

This striking early 19th‑century Wedgwood porcelain dessert dish is a fine example of late Georgian taste, combining bold neoclassical ornament with rich hand‑gilded detail. Dating to around the 1820s and bearing the red printed WEDGWOOD mark to the underside, it represents one of the desirable early porcelain productions of the factory, distinct from the better‑known stoneware and jasper lines. Pieces from this short porcelain period are increasingly scarce, and this pattern, with its luxurious enamel palette and shell‑like motifs, is particularly hard to find.

The dish measures approximately 21 cm across (see tape measure in the photographs for confirmation) and has the shallow profile typical of Regency dessert or side dishes. The rim is decorated with a continuous border of stylised scallop or palmette medallions, each reserved in a warm blush‑pink ground and overpainted with intricate hand‑gilded scrolls. Between these medallions are white cartouches painted with upright foliate motifs, also picked out in gold. Behind and between the medallions runs a deep cobalt‑blue ground, further enriched with delicate gilt cross‑hatching and spear‑like leaf forms, creating a rich contrast that would have caught the candlelight beautifully on a Georgian dessert table.

The cavetto is framed by a narrow gilt line, while the centre is left predominantly white and decorated with a fine radiating gilt floral rosette. This restrained central motif focuses the eye inward and prevents the elaborate border from overwhelming the design. All gilding appears to be hand applied, with the occasional slight variation and minor rubbing that are typical indications of genuine period decoration rather than later reproduction.

The reverse of the dish is plain glazed white porcelain, with the early red printed “WEDGWOOD” mark positioned near the centre. This mark is consistent with early 19th‑century production and helps to confirm both authenticity and period. Also visible is a prominent firing crack or hairline that runs across the back and is clearly shown in the photographs. This line can also be seen from the front, where it gently traverses the well of the dish. There is associated age‑related discolouration along the crack on the reverse, as often found in genuine antique porcelain that has been in service for two centuries.

Condition overall is good for age but not perfect, and buyers should carefully review the images to assess the hairline, minor glaze wear, small kiln specks and light rubbing to the gilding at the rim. There may be tiny frits or nicks to the edge and some expected surface marks to the glaze from use. No restoration is apparent from visual inspection in the photographs, and the wear pattern is consistent with genuine early 19th‑century domestic use.

In spite of the structural hairline, the dish displays extremely well and retains strong decorative impact. The bold cobalt and gold palette, together with the scallop‑border design, makes it ideal for cabinet display, wall mounting, or use as part of a period dessert service layout. Collectors of Wedgwood porcelain, Georgian and Regency tablewares, or early English gilded porcelain will recognise the rarity of this form and pattern, especially with the desirable red printed mark and distinctive neoclassical ornament.

The seller notes that multiple examples are available, so this piece can be combined with others from the same service if you are seeking to build a matched or graduated set. This single 21 cm dish also works well on its own as a statement piece, bringing authentic early 19th‑century refinement and colour to any interior. Please rely on the photographs for the best indication of colour, pattern, and condition, and feel free to compare the design and mark with standard Wedgwood reference works for further reassurance of its period and authenticity.