Maker: Spode  Pattern: Frog colour

Stunning early Spode Stone China in Frog design, here in variant pattern number 3248. Blue printed pattern and hand enamelled in deep reds and blues, with copious gilt decoration and terracota rim.
This pattern was specially commisioned from Spode by King George IV and was first used at his Coronation Banquet on 19 July 1821.
Blue printed backstamp seal mark with Spode and Stone China and virtually obliterated pattern number 3248 in script.
A little wear here and there and a chip behind the rim at 2 o'clock, which just shows through, with a hairline running down from it for 3.75 ins, also a short firing crack on back, which does not show through. Otherwise in excellent condition.
Pieces in this Spode pattern are rare and the association with the most ostentatious Coronation Banquet of all time has established for the few survivors a unique position in both regal and ceramic history. We are not claiming that the Earl of Denbeigh personally served George IV from this dish, but who knows?

Dimensions: 48 x 37 cm / 19 x 14.5 ins