Plate
PeriodCirca 1720 - 1760
Place MadeEngland
MediumBuff earthenware with a tin glaze
Dimensions2 × 12 in. (5.1 × 30.5 cm)
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1936
Object number1979.508.16
DescriptionA large plate of buff earthenware with a bright white body. The center of the plate is ornamented with two main bold stylized floral blossoms. The plate's rim is decorated with five floral blossoms interspersed with smaller floral sprigs and panels.The very outer edge of the plate includes a narrow blue band.Curatorial RemarksThe clear and bold coloration of Delftware was first developed in and named after the Dutch city of Delft. First introduced in the 1500s, delfware, with its strong, clear blue and white coloration, was an attempt on the part of potters to replicate the wildly popular blue and white porcelains coming from China. China jealously guarded the secrets of making porcelain. European potters, while attempting to replicate the thin, delicate, translucent porcelain of Asia, manufactured the much heavier earthenware ceramics. Using tin glazes which resulted in brilliant, clear coloration, the original Delftware was quickly copied by English potters. Although the original owners of this lovely blue and white earthenware plate are unknown, it is quite likely that it came from one of the early Monmouth families in the area. A number of delft plates, bowls, and other items are known and documented to have come from families such as the Hendricksons and Covenhovens, and similar delftware has been uncovered in archaeological digs at many of Monmouth's early sites.NotesBetween 1935 and 1936, Margaret Riker Haskell purchased and restored the circa 1762 homestead of the Taylor family in Middletown. Located along Kings' Highway, the home was in disrepair by the 1930s. Haskell worked with respected antiques dealer and real estate agent Edna Netter. The two women restored the home, which was completed in the spring of 1936. Both Haskell and Netter also worked tirelessly to amass furniture, ceramics, textiles, metals, household and kitchen utensils, paintings, and a variety of other items to fully furnish the home. Haskell then donated the entire property and its furnishings to the Monmouth County Historical Association. Marlpit Hall opened to the public in May of 1936. Mrs. Haskell purchased this early 18th century blue and white delft plate from antiques dealer Lillian Wilkinson Boschen who was also a longtime board member of the Historical Association. The plate is thought to have been one of the many items purchased by Mrs. Haskell for Marlpit Hall.
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