2012.91.156, plate from Cobridge, England, early 1800s. Eason Eige collection; photo by B. Bernard
2012.91.156, plate from Cobridge, England, early 1800s.
Eason Eige collection; photo by B. Bernard
In what is now Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England, a boom in pottery-making began in 1720. The pottery was earthenware rather than porcelain, but that didn't stop potters from imitating Chines blue-on-white pieces. Ralph Stevenson began making pottery about 1810 and he and his son continued the business until about 1835. Much of their blue-on-white earthenware was specifically made for export to the New World.
The photo below shows the maker's mark on the back of the plate. "Palestine"
is the name of the china pattern. No matter that the scene on the front is as
Chinese as the artist could make it; the idea was to have a pattern name as
exotic as the design on the front.
Ralph Stevenson's maker's mark on the back of the plate.
Photo by B. Bernard
To see other Chinese-inspired pottery by Staffordshire firms, click on
the pictures below.
Mason's Patent Ironstone (click on picture to enter)
Adams & Co. of Tunstall (click on picture to enter)
Also from Staffordshire? (click on picture to enter)
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