Late 19th Century Majolica Serving Platter ‘Eat Thy Bread with Thankfulness’

This is a handsome example of a late 19th-century serving platter in classic ‘Majolica’ glazes.

The platter is approximately oval and is moulded to give the appearance of a basket. The centre of the dish has a large oval portion that is glazed brown. This is surrounded by a woven effect that is surrounded by a pattern of stylised ears of wheat and their leaves. At either end of the dish, these ears extend over the edge to form the handles. On one side of the dish is moulded in Gothic script with the words ‘EAT THY BREAD’ and on the other side it reads ‘WITH THANKFULNESS’.

The underside of the dish is glazed in a streaky yellow. The centre is hand-incised with the number ‘527’ and impressed with the letter ‘F’.

It has a maximum height of approximately 6.0cm, with a length of approximately 33.5cm and a width of about 28.5cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 1300g.

It is in good condition for its age. There are some small, old chips to the rim of the base, which are consistent with use. There are also patches of glaze wear on the more prominent areas of design, namely the handles and around the rim. There is also some crazing and scratches to the glaze all over. This wear is reflected in the price.