Early Child’s Pearlware Transfer Printed Plate THE BUTTERFLY 1840

Code: 10937

This is a 6 1/4 " child's transfer plate , circa 1840. The plate is light weight and beautifully potted with a pearlware glaze. A very early example with a scalloped rim and press moulded border of a chain of flowers and foliage.

It is transfer printed in black with a scene of a brother and sister chasing a butterfly.  An exceptionally fine naïve image of country life.

Plates like this were made as gifts for good children and rewards of merit, used to aid in children's education and moral training, and to encourage their imaginations in the early to mid-19th century. The images were taken from copperplate engravings used in children's books of the same period.

The condition of this plate is excellent.