Transferware Childs Flow Blue PUNCH & JUDY Plate 1890 Frog Wizard

Description

Childs Flow Blue Aesthetic Transferware Plate
PUNCH & JUDY
after Charles Allerton & Sons Staffordshire 1890
This fanciful child's transferware plate dates to c.1880-1890. Originally part of a complete children's tea set, the round plate measures about 5-3/4 inches in diameter,  decorated in a brilliant cobalt flow blue.
The plate features the storied characters from the Italian Pulcinella puppet show in the early 17th century: Mr Punch, as he is also known as a later British political caricature, is married to Judy and they have a rag doll baby, and a fanciful pipe-smoking frog are amusing characters, surrounded by an aesthetic display of flowers and geometrical whimsies. This pattern is pictured and discussed in Lorraine Punchard's
Playtime Porcelain and Pottery
as well as in
Gifts for Good Children (Volume 2)
written by Maureen Batkin and published by Richard Dennis .
The pattern name is PUNCH. It was made by an unidentified continental pottery company, probably French, re-using the design and motif of Charles Allerton & Sons, a pottery manufacturer in the Staffordshire region of England in the mid-to-late 19th century, known for his whimsical children's tea sets. The plate is marked with the pattern name and an impressed size mark.
The plate is in great condition for being more than 100 years old, with no cracks, chips, or repairs.  The workmanship is haphazard, which is one of the reasons many people collect it...not fine china, and not meant to be; it was made for children and probably considered disposable.
Kiln dust and stilt marks, imperfect
transfers, bumps and smudges transfer wrinkles and glazed over grit original to the making. The naïve and hasty style adds to the quirky charm of a childhood plate made more than 100 years ago. A very whimsical toy tea set plate.  Offered as is, as shown and as described.
Nineteenth century ceramics in the iconic Punch and Judy pattern is quite scarce and highly sought after -- the memorabilia and merchandise made with these early theater vaudeville puppet circus and entertainment figures is getting harder to find, particularly in such fine condition. This amusing pocket sized work of art will make a wonderful addition to your collection of children's dishes or any collection of Punch and Judy, jester and magical memorabilia.  We are always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases.
Please send us a note with any questions or if you would like to see additional photos.
Thank you for bidding!
International Buyers – Please Note:
Most of our merchandise is over 100 years old, and we mark our international parcels “antiques – over 100 years old”. US and International government regulations do not allow us to mark merchandise values below value or mark items as "gifts”. Import duties, taxes and charges, if any, are
not included
in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.