For me, time is the greatest mystery of all. The fact is, we are dreaming all the time. Anthony Hopkins

{HISTORY}

Unmarked dishware provides its own special joy when it comes to collecting.  Like a good mystery unable to be solved, it leaves plenty of room for daydreaming and imagining all sorts of spectacular stories when it comes to determining the past life of an old item.

Such is the case with this rare set of matching plates. Lacking any signs of a makers mark or manufacturers stamp, these two unidentified dishes leave us only with a series of guesses as to the possible origin story of this beautiful pair. 

Made of bright white porcelain, each plate is edged in gold and shaped with two handles of embossed detailing. The design features an Asian-style floral theme of assorted blossoms, flower pots, and floating geometric designs. Handpainted in quiet orange and accented with bright celery green shades, the execution of the design is a bit wild just like its imagery. Its size (9.5" inches in diameter) is suitable to a luncheon plate, while its shape is most likely English or European in design.  Rub marks around the rim denote an active life of use and adventuring, yet the plates themselves retain no crazing or chips. A similar plate style (but not design style) suggests it might be made by Wedgwood and possibly predates their makers marks (the early 1800's) or it could be an antique knockoff from a competing pottery company in the early 1900's when Asian themes were popular and potteries were scurrying to make money on trendy copycat designs.

Carrying a distressed aesthetic, they have a lovely similarity to the look of threadbare style rugs that are so popular in today's interior design marketplace. Like those pieces on the floor, these plates will only get better and better as they age, adding new story to what surely must have been an interesting past.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors included: bright white, rust, pale orange, celery green, gold

- Asian style design featuring flower pots, floating geometric shapes and trailing blossoms 

- Rare pattern

- Unique shape

{CONDITION}

Each plate is in lovely antique condition. No crazing, chips or cracks. Gold edging around the rim is worn in places. Rub marks in the imagery areas give each plate a unique and lovely aged patina. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 9.5" inches in diameter.

{STYLE IDEA}

If you are a collector of color and theme, these two plates pair beautifully with the 1920's Clinchfield China Serving Bowl found here.