Antique Burgess & Leigh Chinoiserie Revival Indian Tree Plate
I found this small vintage plate at a charity shop and, I believe, it was priced at 50 cents or one dollar. The popular Indian Tree Pattern was made by Burgess & Leigh in the late 19th or early 20th century. The Indian Tree Pattern initially was created by Coalport China in 1801. The pattern consists of a crooked branch of a tree with exotic flowers and leaves flowing around it.
The typical colors in this transferware pattern were shades of green, blue, pink and orange which were often hand painted. This plate has aged in that greens and turquoise are faded but the pink, red, yellow, and brown remain on the bright side. By looking at the stamped back and other markings, I believe this Burgess and Leigh is from their earlier days, between 1862 and 1907. The plate is earthen ware pottery and the gaze is crazed mainly on the back of the plate.
What is also interesting about the edge of my plate is that feels uneven in areas and has slight imperfections. The dishes were mainly manufactured in England by the Central Pottery located in the towns of Burslam, Stoke on Trent, England. The plate has a slightly tarnished golden edge.
I temporarily placed it on my living room table to take the photograph. The matching pattern and orange pillows are outdoor pillows from Pottery Barn. They are stain resistant and look great in my living room. I’ve placed this dish in a special spot on my mantle in a plate holder. Due to its age, it definitely has a story to tell.