English Armorial Soft Paste Octagonal Plates

Three English octagonal soft paste armorial plates, 18th…
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Three English octagonal soft paste armorial plates, 18th century and later, the first being an English replacement for a Chinese export service, decorated with the arms of Murray of Touchdam and Polmaise with the motto ''Tout Prest'. circa 1755. The second with painted flower sprigs to the rim, decorated with the arms of the Douglas family, together with the motto 'Spero', circa 1800. The third being an English replacement for a Chinese export service decorated with the arms of Tyndall surrounded by mantling and garlands of flowers. Thomas Tyndall married Alicia Smith on 10th September 1756 at Bristol. The John scarce collection, 21.1 cm, 21.5 cm and 22.3 cm wide respectively. Approximately 1050 gms total weight for three plates together.

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  • Soft Paste Porcelain - Porcelain is an ancient ceramic material, first made in China, hence the common name "china", and the process was unknown in the West.

    European potters attempted to replicate Chinese porcelain, without knowing the ingredients in its composition, and the earliest wares were produced with mixtures of clay and ground-up glass (frit), the idea being that the glass would give the porcelain translucency.

    It was given the name "soft" because it did not remain rigid, but "slumped" when fired in the kiln at high temperatures.
  • Armorial / Armourial - Bearing a coat of arms. Coats of arms came into general use by feudal lords and knights in in the 12th century, and by the 13th century, arms had spread beyond their initial battlefield use to become a flag or emblem for families in the higher social classes of Europe. They were inherited from one generation to the next. When a family crest is used on individual items of silver or furniture it is an indicator of the aristocratic standing of the family represented.

    Armorials were also used to decorate mass produced ceramic souvenir ware by such companies as Goss, Carlton & Shelley, and in these cases the coats of arms displayed were of boroughs and cities.
  • Floral Swag / Garland / Festoon - Floral swags are a decorative motif often used in the ornamentation of various objects, such as silverware, glassware, and furniture. The term "swag" refers to a garland or wreath of flowers, foliage, or other decorative elements, which is usually arranged in a loop or curve.

    Floral swags can be found in a variety of decorative styles, from ornate Baroque and Rococo designs to more naturalistic Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. They are often used to add a touch of elegance, refinement, or whimsy to an object, and can be seen on a range of items from chandeliers and candlesticks to picture frames and tea sets.

    In the decoration of silver objects, floral swags are often used to accentuate the curves and lines of the piece, and to add visual interest to the surface. Similarly, on glass objects, floral swags may be used to frame or highlight a particular area of the object, or to add a touch of color and delicacy.

    On furniture, floral swags can be found on a variety of pieces, from cabinets and armoires to chairs and sofas. They are often used to enhance the lines and curves of the furniture, and can be used to create a sense of movement and flow in the design.

    Overall, floral swags are a versatile decorative element that can be adapted to a range of styles and applications, and have been used in the decoration of various objects throughout history.
  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.