Platter
MakerMade by
Royal-Saxonian Porcelain Manufactory Meissen
(German, 1806 - 1918)
Datemid 19th century
MediumMold-formed porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration and overglaze red enamel and gilding
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth): 18 x 12 7/8in. (45.7 x 32.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour
Object number1945.1.1453
DescriptionLarge, oval, porcelain platter with a lightly-scalloped rim. The platter is decorated with hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue, in light and dark blue. Then the designs are outlined or highlighted with overglaze red enamel and gilding. The decoration in the center of the platter consists of two blue birds over two large light blue and red flowers. To the left and right are an additional flower with a bird above. Smaller flowers, leaves, and embellishments fill in the space between and around the flowers and birds. This is surrounded by two borders at the rim. The first, hand-painted on the portion of the platter where the surface rises to meet the rim, consists of oval leaves forming a geometric "x" pattern between two lines of gilding. In four places, the first border is interrupted by floral designs that spill over to the second border at the rim. The second border consists of four floral patterns, one at each end and one in the middle of each side. Between these patterns are a vine and leaf motif. The outer edge of the rim is gilded. All of the decoration on this platter is colorful, but restrained. On the bottom, the platter has the classic crossed underglaze blue swords that is the long-time mark of the Meissen porcelain manufactory.
Status
Not on view
