To hard necessity one's will and fancy must conform. Goethe

{HISTORY}

Every once in a while, here in the shop, we come across a set of antique dishes that speaks more of aesthetic than of usefulness. Such is the case here with this shabby yet utterly captivating antique wide rimmed soup bowls made by W.H. Grindley England. Marked with the USA patent date - February 2, 1897 - they feel like history in your hands as you trace adventure across 122 years with your fingertips.

Grindley made dishware for both the home consumer and hotelware markets between the years of 1880 and 1991, which means this set falls in the very earliest years of the pottery manufacturer's operation. Made of semi-porcelain, with a dainty yellow and teal floral pattern, embossed edging and gold detailing, these bowls are fragile, fancy and incredibly distinctive. Like a beautiful old house that has begun to slowly crumble due to neglect and the passage of time, these dishes posses a proud air about them that is ragged yet also graciously elegant. 

Full of chips, cracks, crazing and stains there is not a perfect one in the batch and that's what ultimately makes them completely perfect. The collector who finds these five equally wonderful, will be more interested in their artistic degradation than there use for mealtime service. Perhaps they would make a lovely wall display or inspirational subjects for a photography assignment or an evocative piece of writing. The word poetic is not often used when describing plates and bowls but in this case, it is perfectly fitting:) 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Wonderfully aged aesthetic

- Handpainted design

- Semi-porcelain

- Colors include bright white, pale yellow, pale teal, beige, grey, gold and sage

- Each is stamped on the bottom with maker's mark

- Set of 5

{CONDITION}

Please see all pictures! This set is in shabby condition, which as discussed in the description, is their most fetching attribute. There is a various combination of chips, cracks, crazing and staining in each piece. None are on the verge of breaking down though, so with delicate handling and proper care they'll be good to last another 122 years. Please feel free to send a message with questions.

{SIZE}

Each bowl measures 8.5" inches in diameter x 1.25" inches (height).

{STYLE IDEA}

Due to their bright white, semi-porcelain constitution, these bowls look marvelous with ironstone and would look particularly lovely in a display cabinet of weathered wood and glass.