Blue Staffordshire Fox and the Lion Plate ~ Aesop's Fables 1835

Code: 10390

SUPERB STAFFORDSHIRE BLUE TRANSFERWARE HANDLED PLATE

AESOP'S FABLES

THE FOX AND THE LION

Spode ~ Copeland and Garrett ~ New Blanche
Staffordshire, England
1833 - 1847

This outstanding and rare handled soup plate measures 10 inches wide.  It is crisply transfer printed in a rich English blue.

The plate has a wonderful scalloped edge and a border pattern of trios of large flowers seperated by hydrangea blossoms, Fox heads and wild roses.

The central image illustrates the fable by Aesop of The Fox and the Lion:   

When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony.
The Moral of the Story: Familiarity breeds contempt
Never Used.  Excellent condition.  A few bits of kiln dust under glaze on the front.