Rare Pair Georgian Miniature Children's Toy Creamware Plates by Shorthose & Co England Circa 1817

Oooh, we are really excited to discover this gorgeous duo of early 19th century creamware deep plates. Why are we excited, well because they have survived over 200 years plus they have their impressed maker's mark to the base of each. These small plates were made by the English earthenware manufacturer Shorthose & Co of Hanley, Staffordshire. As the Guru of English pottery and porcelain Geoffrey Godden informs us, this impressed mark is "rather rare and was only noted to the 1817 period". John Shorthose was only in existence from 1807-1823.

These two small deep plates or dishes would have been part of a childs toy dinner service. When the lady of the house gave a tea party the girls may be allowed to participate. This desire to copy their elders led to a demand for miniature pieces that the children could practice with. Of course the potters welcomed this and were happy to oblige.

Our two similar examples have a good light weight creamware body. One of them is slightly deeper than the other. Just perfect for your larger doll or teddy's table or dresser.

Size: One 3 3/8 inch diameter (87 mm), the other 3 2/8 inch diameter (84 mm)

Condition: The larger plate is in very good condition. The deeper, slightly smaller dish/plate looks perfect but under UV light has old, very good, professional restoration to the base - likely restoring a hairline.

A rather super pair, waiting to go to their next home and continue their history.

Book Ref: The Handbook of British Pottery & Porcelain Marks, Geoffrey A. Godden. Also Understanding Miniature British Pottery and Porcelain 1730 to present day, by Maurice and Evelyn Milbourn.

Item id:15234