Plate
RetailerSold by
Boston Dry Good Co.
(American)
MakerMade by
Staffordshire potteries
(English, 17th century-present)
Datelate 19th-mid 20th century
MediumMechanically-molded earthenware with underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 8 7/8in. (22.5cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1977.4.2
DescriptionRound, earthenware plate with a slightly scalloped edge and a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue decoration and overglaze gilding. The transfer-printed design was printed in a dark blue then made to run in the kiln, a type of ceramic known as flow blue. The pattern on the plate shows the letter "W" over the letter M" in the center, which stands for Martha Washington. The Latin motto "DECUS ET TUTAMEN AB ILLO" is located in a banner underneath the initials. The initials and motto sit in the center of a starburst pattern that extends to the inside of the plate's rim. The rim is decorated with the "Chain of States" pattern, showing the names of fifteen states inside ovals: "No. Carolina," "So. Carolina," "Georgia," "New Hampshire," "Massachusetts," "Vermont," "Rhode Island," "Connecticut," "New York," "Jersey," "Pennsylvania," "Delaware," "Maryland," "Virginia," "Kentucky." The ovals are all connected by a small ring creating the appearance of a chain. Finally, the edge of the rim has a raised decoration consisting of a scalloped line with a shell motif between each second scallop. The rim was also decorated with flow blue; however, the raised decoration stands out in white. There are light scratches on the surface of the plate and two chips missing from the underside of the rim.
Status
Not on view
