Pair of Redcliff Bristol Delftware Plates

Pair of Redcliff Bristol Delftware Plates. Circa 1760.

Charming pair of plates with rare and desirable features of delftware; fluting, bianco-sopra-bianco border and in polychrome including manganese.

From a Bristol collection and originally made in Bristol.

Pair of 18th century bianco-sopra-bianco delftware plates, made at Redcliff Back, under Richard Frank. The press-moulded fluted border and scalloped rim is decorated with repeated foliate designs in a style known as ‘bianco sopra bianco‘, or ‘white on white’.

Although inspired by the incised patterns found on the rims of Chinese export porcelain, the name alludes to the use of this decoration on sixteenth-century Italian maiolica at Faenza. The main pattern depicts an oriental river scene, showing two hatted men standing on a small bridge, alongside which is moored a small sailing boat.

The bridge links the foreshore with a small island dominated by an enormous rock formation, topped by a willow. Immediately adjoining this rock is a small two-storey dwelling. In the background can be seen the other side of the river with its distant hills. Surrounded by a trellis and leafy border.

The reverse with two leafy sprigs. Painted in polychrome in tones of manganese blue and yellow on a blue-white glaze.

Delftware:

The Tin-glazed Earthenware of the British Isles, Michael Archer (V&A/HMSO, 1997).

English Delftware, F.H. Garner and Michael Archer (Faber & Faber, 1972).

Dimensions

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report