Bidspirit auction | Antique Ridgway “Pompadour” / “Japan

Antique Ridgway “Pompadour” / “Japan Opaque China” Plate – Cauldon Place Works, Staffordshire - A fine antique ceramic plate attributed to the Ridgway family of potters, produced at the Cauldon Place Works, Staffordshire, England. The backstamp reads “Japan Opaque China,” a term used in the early 19th century to denote a durable type of ironstone or earthenware intended to resemble porcelain. This example features the elegant “Pompadour” pattern, a blue and white transfer design enhanced with hand-painted floral details in soft enamel colours. The pattern was later reproduced by Booths Pottery (from around 1907 onwards) using the same decorative style and a similar mould shape known as “Majestic”, though this version likely dates from the mid- to late 19th century. The plate has a gently wavy edge and fine oriental-inspired motifs, typical of the “Japan” style that influenced many English potteries of the period. Manufacturer: Ridgway, Cauldon Place Works, Staffordshire, England Pattern: Pompadour / Japan Opaque China Period: c. mid–late 19th century Material: Ironstone / Opaque China Decoration: Blue and white transfer with hand-painted floral overglaze