Dish

Date1710-1730

Attributed to Samuel Malkin

OriginEngland, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Burslem

MediumLead-glazed earthenware

DimensionsH: 3 3/8"; D: 17 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-394

DescriptionLarge press molded circular dish with red body and serrated rim. Central pressed motif of three-branched tree with large single blossom (sunflower with face) at end of each branch. One tulip-shaped bud from each side branch, sits a bird with extended wings. Below central blossom is a relief rectangle with relief letters "SM." Entire interior coated with cream-colored slip. Rim border trailed in "fence-and-shadow" pattern in red and dark-brown slip. Same colors used on tree motif between raised ridges in filling technique similar to cloisonné. Interior coated with yellow lead glaze.Label TextThis press-molded and slip-trailed bird-and-sunflower dish is initialed "S" and "M" in relief flanking the stem. Attributed to Samuel Malkin of Burslem, the piece probably dates to the 1720s. Although this dish retains the traditional fence-and-shadow border, other examples probably from the same mold bear different trailed patterns around the rim.Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)"SM" molded in relief on face (Godden mark 2495)