Plate
PeriodCirca 1720-1730
Place MadeEngland
MediumEarthenware
Dimensions2 × 10.63 in. (5.1 × 27 cm)
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1936
Object number1979.508.15
DescriptionA large plate of buff colored earthenware with a bright white and blue tin glaze. The plate includes a wide marly or rim, and a short, heavy foot rim. The plate features a bold central motif of palms or feathers in a stylized urn style vase, surrounded by five stylized lobed panels alternating with swirling cloudlike patterned panels. The outer rim edge of the plate includes a bright yellow 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.NotesMargaret Riker Haskell purchased the circa 1762 home of the Taylor family of Middletown. Through 1935 and 1936 Haskell, assisted by local antiques dealer Edna Netter, restored and furnished the site. In May of 1936, Haskell turned over the entire site and its contents to the Monmouth County Historical Association as its first historic house. This blue and white delft-style plate, with its bold patterning, is thought to be one of the items Haskell purchased to furnish the house.
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