JOHN RIDGWAY STONE CHINA IMARI ANTIQUE SOUP TUREEN PLATTER

This Magnificent Soup Tureen Imari Under Tray/Platter was manufactured by John Ridgway, Cauldon Place, Shelton, Hanley Staffordshire Potteries, England, circa 1830-1840. This platter/under tray dates 1835 and is Ironstone referred to by Ridgway as “Imperial Stone China”. He was a formidable competitor of Charles Mason’s “Patent Ironstone China”. This platter/under tray measures 15 1/2” Length by 11 1/2” Width by 2" Depth.

It is partial transfer and polychrome hand painted in the imari colors of celadon green, cobalt blue, dark pink and rust. The panels of cobalt blue in the border are richly decorated in 24 Kt. gold gilding which is cross hatched; the handles are also lavishly gold gilded. The central theme is that of peony flowers in jardinières.

COMMENT:  This Imari Platter is truly a treasure and is a very fine example of John Ridgway’s art of pottery making.

It has great decorative potential. It is also a fabulous piece for ones early “Imperial Stone China” collection.

The whiteness of the Imperial Stone China body was a perfect medium for the vivid hand painted imari colors which are exuberant on this  platter/under tray. The glaze is of wonderful quality and enhances the hand painting.

John Ridgway is one of the most renowned British potters of his time and is considered one of the pre-eminent fathers of English pottery. The quality of his pottery surpassed many of his competitors. Many of his wares are in the possession of museums and private collections through out Canada, Great Britain, and the United States.

CONDITION: This Imari Platter is in fine condition except for a curved hairline crack measuring approximately 3 1/4” length going from the border outward to the left handle which is illustrated in the third last photo. Does not show badly when on display! Because of my camera's high resolution, the crack shows more serious than in actuality. The crack does not go into the handle. The platter is still in tact. Such a crack can be re-glued professionally. Other than this, there are no chips, no wear, no stains and no restorations. All gold gilding is in tact, meaning that there is no wear to the gilding. There is no surface wear or knife scratches. Due to this conditional problem this Imperial Stone Platter is being offered to you in "as is" condition. In addition, the price is reflective of condition. In mint condition such an early English Imari Platter fetches between $1,000 upward to $1,200.