Monday, August 5, 2019

Decorative Plates


I had been to an exhibition of decorative plates at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. These plates were used to decorate the rich citizens homes many years ago.
Let's see this interesting collection together. Most often a pattern or a picture or a drawing of cobalt was placed in the center of a plate. The story of the ancient centuries, the bible, or landscape was used for a drawing or pattern.



Transfer printed glaze green was introduced at the factory in Staffordshire, 1821. Later lead glazed earthenware were printed in other colors. Below is the amazing plate with a ceramic snake. What did someone feel when eating food on this plate?




Silvered decoration was a rarity on ceramics in 19 century. In Germany the Berlin factory was the first to decorate successfully with platinum. Unlike silver, platinum does not tarnish.



The bone china was painted with enamels at the factory of Derby, England. Mercury gilding gives a thinner and more even layer of gold than other techniques.


Here is the decorative technique on paperweights: opal and green glass, silvered and engraved glass. Bohemia 19 century.



Having finished looking at decorative plates, I had lunch at the museum restaurant. I liked the interior design. Each of the three dining rooms was beautiful. The windows decorated with stained glass, huge crystal chandeliers, ceiling, walls, mirrors, columns gave the hall solemnity. Beautiful dishes - plates, cups and teapots were on the tables.



Do you have any decorative plates at home? Do they remind you travel, adventures, or your friend visit?

30 comments:

  1. It was a different era, wasn't it, when there were a few people with enormous wealth, a tiny middle class and most of the people lived in poverty. I have little doubt that the cost of individual plates might have fed a poor family for a year! i have never been a collector of commemorative plates, but what I might have had would have been mass produced, nothing like to artistic treasures you show. As for having a snake on my plate, I think I would prefer not to!

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    1. Ha ha David, so would I.You're right these decorative plates from museum are priceless, are unique art master pieces.

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  2. I don't think I would eat from any of the beautiful plates, especially the snake which looks a bit like a worm and maybe some sardines!
    I have a few treasured plates passed down from family members, but not of such value as these.
    What a beautiful dining room. Hope the food was of good quality too.

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    1. You make me smile, Betty, the snake looks like a worm! Sure your family treasures are the most valuable for you.

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  3. Надежда,очень красивые декоративные тарелки.У меня есть тарелка от бабушки фабрики "Кузнецова",,но она очень простая.Берегу её.

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    1. Кузнецовский фарфор славился на всю Российскю империю, Надежда. Хотя ваша тарелка простая, но это замечательная память о бабушке.

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  4. Hello Nadezda!

    Beautiful plates! It looks so nice there with the painted glasswindows.
    I collect plates too, and they comes from Royal Copenhagen. They are only in blue and white and are Christmasplates. They are not so expensive as they you show here :)
    Hugs!

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    1. Marit, I can imagine the Christmas plates you mention. I've seen these beautiful ware at Delft and I liked them.

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  5. I absolutely love decorative plates. I have collected a few over the years. Actually that is an understatement. ha... If I had places to store them or display them I would probably have more. In my older age I am trying not to purchase anything that I can't use. It is difficult to be sensible about this when I see a pretty dish. I just love dishes of any sort. Thanks for taking us along on your visit to the museum.

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    1. You're welcome Lisa. I do love china bone dish as well. I have some decorative plates in my collection.

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  6. Bonitos platos. Yo tengo varios de herencia familiar antiguos. Besitos.

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  7. I have a few decorative plates for hanging on walls. But they are modern and nothing like these and certainly a lot cheaper.
    You do travel a lot, don’t you? Very pleasant indeed.

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    1. Yes, I do Friko and love to buy decorative plates with an image of a place where I have been to.

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  8. I have never seen a plate decorated with a frog, snake, lizard and others. My eyes were excited and turned to big and round.

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    1. It's so nice! I think one day you will see or buy something like this one.

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  9. Maravillosa colección Nadezda. Tengo varios heredados de la abuela de mi madre.
    Buen miércoles amiga.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Puedo imaginar Laura que tu heredo es muy lindo.
      Besos!

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  10. Beautiful plates. My favorite is the first one.
    I also have some that were from my mother.
    Hugs and all the best
    Maria

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    1. I'm glad you liked the plates, Maria.
      Happy weekend!

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  11. Absolutely beautiful plates !
    Greetings

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  12. They are so lovely, a joy to see.
    I do have a special decorative Christmas plate that comes out every year.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan how nice to have a special plate for Christmas!
      Hugs!

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  13. I know some of these plates as I have seen them myself, but others I have failed to notice. For instance a plate decorated with platinum- what a wonderful and unusual thing. Please get in contact if you are ever in london again, if you wish. Perhaps we could meet and go somewhere that interested you.

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    1. It would be a wonderful opportunity to go together somewhere Jenny. Thank you and I'll remember your invitation.

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