Spode

British; English, est. 1767

Covered vegetable dish, strainer, c. 1812

Stoneware

13 (ht) x 23.5 (wi) x 23.5 (dp) cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Acquired with funds from Mrs. Agnes M. Benedickson and The Antique Arts Club of Winnipeg

2000-31 abc

Categories:

Ceramic, Decorative Arts Ceramic

The Parasol pattern, despite being a chinoiserie pattern, originated in Holland, and likely derived from an engraving by Cornelius Pronck. Interestingly, it was subsequently used by Japanese and Chinese potteries to decorate export porcelain, as well as by British potteries. Here it is used by Spode, painted in the Japanese Imari palette of rust-red and blue with high-quality gilding. The Spode factory was established in 1767 as a relatively small affair. Its founder, Josiah Spode I (1733–1797), is credited with formulating bone china, a major advancement in British porcelain. His son, Josiah Spode II (1754–1827), joined the business in 1775 and greatly increased the company’s scope. The factory continues to manufacture under the Spode name and is recognized as the oldest ceramic factory in Britain still operating on its original site.