Here is a beautiful and rather unusual early 19th-century Staffordshire rim soup plate by Elijah Jones, produced in the named “The Cabinet” pattern and dating to approximately the 1830s.

The deep, gently shaped bowl is surrounded by an elaborate paneled border of finely printed latticework, scalloped architectural forms and scrolling acanthus decoration. Rich shades of deep green are enlivened with hand-applied touches of fresh green and yellow, giving the piece wonderful depth and an almost jewel-like quality.

At the center is a charming Victorian still life—a vase overflowing with flowers accompanied by a small handled cup, books and other objects arranged against a softly printed landscape. The imagery has the wonderfully romantic, slightly fanciful quality found in some of the best early Staffordshire transferware.

The reverse bears the decorative printed backstamp “THE CABINET” above the initials “E.J.”, identifying the maker as Elijah Jones of Cobridge, Staffordshire. The Cabinet is documented as an Elijah Jones pattern by the Transferware Collectors Club. Jones was established as an earthenware manufacturer by 1828 and was working at the Villa Pottery in Cobridge during the 1830s. His E.J. mark is associated with his independent period before his later partnership with Edward Walley, making this a wonderful survivor from the early years of Victorian-era Staffordshire pottery production.

English Staffordshire, circa 1830s. Transfer-printed earthenware with hand-applied color.

I particularly like the fact that the backstamp itself illustrates a cabinet filled with decorative objects—it makes the named pattern feel especially charming. =)

Measures: appx 10"

Condition:  Very good, some stilt marks, minor crazing and minor brown spots