Flow Blue Whiteware Plate

A flow blue transfer printed whiteware plate with an approximately 8.5-inch diameter. The underside of the plate bears a maker's mark with a lion supplanting "OREGON/ CHINESE PORCELAINE/ TJ & J MAYER/LONGPORT." T. J. & J. Mayer of Longport, Burslem, Staffordshire likely created this "Oregon" design between 1842 and 1855. The name perhaps refers to the state of Oregon, which was settled in 1838 and later admitted to the Union in 1859. However, the Chinoiserie design bears little connection to its namesake, instead depicting a raised walkway, tree, pagoda, and lantern-holding figure. The twelve-sided rim sports a marly design with a non-continuous repeating leaf and scroll motif. Kiln stilt impressions left from the manufacturing process are visible on the underside of the plate. It also shows an impression of the letters "FB" and a second illegible impression that perhaps shows an unknown symbol or two additional letters. The center of the plate's surface also displays possible signs of use with knife marks seen across the central design.

• Object number

  282.2474

• Date made

  1842 - 1855

• Dimensions

  Diameter 8.5 inches

• Decoration

  Printed

• Color

  Dark Blue

• Animals/objects

  Plate

• Patterns

  Chinoiserie

  Flow Colors

• Category

  Household

• Class

  Ceramic

• Functions

  Tableware

• Material

  Refined Earthenware

• Context

  Stadt Huys Block 554 - 282

• Forms

  Base/Body/Rim

• Ware types

  Whiteware

• Techniques

  Press Molded