English Porcelain Floral Decorated Fruit Basket, Ca. 1800

England Ca. 1800

A lovely example of a difficult form to produce. Though unmarked except for two squiggles on the base, a previous owner’s, E. W. Sharples, label accompanying this attributes it to the Pinxton Works in Derby and the floral painting to William Billingsly who worked in some of the best English porcelain manufactories as a flower painter in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is said of the Pinxton works that 90% of the production did not make it through the firing process and had to be thrown away. I have been unable to find a documented example just like this one so I leave it to others to decide.

There is an English Artist named Ellen Wallace Sharples who is known for her fine pastels and water colors. Perhaps it belonged to her originally.

Price

$750

Condition

Excellent antique condition except there are 15 leaves that are missing parts. The gold is nearly perfect. No repairs

Measurements

7 1/2" long, 7" wide, 3 1/2" high