Mid-19th Century Porcelain Footed Dessert Plate with Botanical Calceolaria Design

This is a striking example of a porcelain footed dessert or serving plate featuring a hand-painted botanical image, a popular Victorian theme.

The plate has a raised, scalloped edge that has been gilded. There is a stylised pink ribbon motif below the rim that mimics its outline. This surmounts six gilded swags, each adorned with stylised leaves.

In the centre, there is a hand-painted Calceolaria integrifolia (lady’s purse, slipper flower or slipperwort) sprig in yellow and orange and associated foliage. This is encircled by a fine gold line.

The plate stands on a broad, pedestal-like foot, which has a gilded foot-rim. The foot is slightly misshapen, which means there is a slight wobble when it is placed on a flat surface. On the inside of the foot, it is hand-painted with the number ‘1984’.

It has a height of approximately 5.9cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 21.5cm and across the foot of about 9.3cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 450g.

It is in good condition, although there are a couple of small chips to the underside of the rim. These are only visible when the piece is turned over. There are also some scratches to the floral motif, one of which has gone through the paint. This wear is commensurate with the age and use of the piece, but is reflected in the price.