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Plate

MakerMade by James & Ralph Clews English, 1818 - 1834

Date1824-1830

MediumMechanically-molded buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 9 7/8in. (25.1cm)

Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection

DescriptionRound, buff-colored earthenware plate with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The plate has a scalloped rim, with raised decoration reflecting the appearance of the edge of a shell. The center of the plate is decorated with an oval transfer-printed pattern containing the bust of a man in a military uniform. Above the bust, as part of the border, are the words, "WELCOME LA FAYETTE THE NATIONS GUEST. AND OUR COUNTRYS GLORY." Much of the rest of the plate is left plain, with the exception of hand-painted cobalt blue decoration at the shell-edge rim.

The plate has undergone extensive conservation to the lower right of the bust. It would seem that a meandering crack developed at the rim, which was repaired using staples that were imbedded into the surface of the ceramic. The surface was then smoothed using a liberally-applied yellow substance. Portions of the blue shell-edge rim were repainted blue.

Object number2004.81.0

MarkingsCircular impressed mark on the bottom of the cup plate reads, "CLEWS WARRANTED STAFFORDSHIRE" surrounding a crown.NotesSubject Note: On 15 August 1824 The Marquis de Lafayette arrived in America as an honored guest of the United States of America at President James Monroe's invitation. He traveled the country and returned to France in September 1825. During his time in America he was referred to as the "nation's guest".

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