Josiah Wedgwood & Sons
English

Pair of serving dishes

1872

Earthenware with majolica glazes

8 in. W x 11 in. L x 1 in. H (20.3 cm W x 27.9 cm L x 2.5 cm H)

The sunflower, alongside the calla lily and peacock feather, became an emblem of the late 19th-century Aesthetic Movement. Oscar Wilde was an emphatic advocate of the flower, believing it to be “a perfect model of design…most naturally adapted for decorative art.” As the color green also became a favorite of the Aesthetes, the Wedgwood company capitalized on the trend with its green majolica sunflower design. First appearing around 1860, this pattern proved extremely popular and was produced well into the 20th century. These dishes would have contributed to an artistic interior which functioned as a sanctuary for beauty in daily life.

The sunflower, alongside the calla lily and peacock feather, became an emblem of the late 19th-century Aesthetic Movement. Oscar Wilde was an emphatic advocate of the flower, believing it to be “a perfect model of design…most naturally adapted for decorative art.” As the color green also became a favorite of the Aesthetes, the Wedgwood company capitalized on the trend with its green majolica sunflower design. First appearing around 1860, this pattern proved extremely popular and was produced well into the 20th century. These dishes would have contributed to an artistic interior which functioned as a sanctuary for beauty in daily life.

Condition

Excellent. On one dish: small chips to underside of rim, the largest measuring 0.8 cm; very faint hairline on one handle. On the other dish: one small glaze flake on rim measuring 0.4 cm; chip to underside of rim (not visible from front) measuring 1.6 cm.

For a detailed condition report, please contact us.

Curator’s Note

We also have a set of 20 Wedgwood green majolica sunflower dishes available.

Excellent. On one dish: small chips to underside of rim, the largest measuring 0.8 cm; very faint hairline on one handle. On the other dish: one small glaze flake on rim measuring 0.4 cm; chip to underside of rim (not visible from front) measuring 1.6 cm.

For a detailed condition report, please contact us.

This item ships free to the continental US, and globally for a flat-rate fee of $75.

All objects are packed with utmost care by our team of expert fine art shippers. All items are shipped with parcel insurance.

For more information on our shipping policies, please visit our FAQ Page.

All of our objects look even more stunning in person!

However, in case you are not satisfied with your purchase, we are willing to accept returns.

For more information on our return policies, please visit our FAQ page.

This item ships free to the continental US, and globally for a flat-rate fee of $75.

All objects are packed with utmost care by our team of expert fine art shippers. All items are shipped with parcel insurance.

For more information on our shipping policies, please visit our FAQ Page.

All of our objects look even more stunning in person!

However, in case you are not satisfied with your purchase, we are willing to accept returns.

For more information on our return policies, please visit our FAQ page.