WORLD Brown Transferware Plate ~ 1884 ~ SHAKESPEARE & Hathaway

Code: 11679

AESTHETIC BROWN TRANSFERWARE PLATE 

THE WORLD PATTERN ~ SHAKESPEARE + HATHAWAY

Wallis Gimson and Co. Potteries

Fenton, Staffordshire England  ~  1884

This Victorian 8 sided aesthetic large 9 5/8 x 11 inch plate is transfer printed in dark brown.  The plate is further enhanced by fabulous underglaze painting in shades of red, golden yellow, green and cobalt blue. 

The pattern features an exotic geometric border with ferns, cherry blossoms, wild orchids and a butterfly surrounding two fabulous cartouches .  One is of the room where Shakespeare was born and the other Anne Hathaway's cottage.

Hathaway married Shakespeare in November of 1582 while pregnant with his child. Hathaway was 26 years old when she married, whereas Shakespeare was only 18. This age difference, and Hathaway's pregnancy, has been used by some historians as evidence that this was a "shotgun wedding" forced on a reluctant Shakespeare by Hathaway's family. 

Never Used.  Condition is great.  Bright, shiny and clean.