Period: Late Victorian
Date of manufacture: March 1878,
Maker: Minton
A pair of dinner plates made by Minton in March 1878 in the ‘Connaught Japan’ transfer pattern.
This late Victorian pattern shows a variety of influences. The stylised flower heads belong to Japanese art, then much in vogue as Japan opened its doors to the West, while the scrolling tendrils between the border panels are a Regency motif. Meanwhile, the restrained autumnal palette and relative simplicity of design appeals to the Arts & Crafts sensibility.
‘Connaught’ is in homage to Queen Victoria’s favourite son, Prince Arthur, who was made Duke of Connaught and Strathearn on his mother’s birthday in 1874. ‘Japan’ could simply be a nod to contemporary fashion but may also suggest a special fascination with Japan by the young prince (click here).
There is a full set of Minton marks on the back of the plates. In addition to the printed ‘Mintons’ globe mark with ‘Connaught Japan’ underneath, there are impressed data ciphers for March 1878, ‘Minton’ and ‘BB’ for ‘Best Body’ (denoting the type of Minton earthenware) and a potter’s mark. There is also a painted pattern number, C1855. (The ‘C’ prefix was used for Minton earthenwares from about 1865 onwards.)
Condition One plate is in excellent condition. The other is very good, with only a few spots of rubbing to the transfer pattern and iron-oxide red trim (see close-up photographs). Both plates have fine age-related, micro-crazing to the glaze, visible only on close inspection.
Diameter: 26.1 cm / 10.3 inches
Combined net weight: 1096 g
Medium: Earthenware
Origin: Stoke-on-Trent, England
