P.W. & Co. "Corean" Dessert Plate, c. 1840
- Regular price
- $42.00
- Sale price
- $42.00
- Regular price
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A beautiful early Victorian Staffordshire transferware dessert plate in the “Corean” pattern by Podmore, Walker & Co., printed in a rich flow black / mulberry transfer. The exotic central scene features an elaborate Oriental-style pavilion surrounded by tropical palms, smaller buildings, lush vegetation, and a distant boat. The ornate border continues the Chinoiserie influence with scrolling ornament and floral decoration.
The “Corean” pattern is a documented Podmore, Walker & Co. design dating to 1834–1859 and was produced in both blue and mulberry/flow-black versions. A surviving example in the Printed British Pottery & Porcelain database identifies the pattern as an Asian/exotic theme and notes that examples were produced specifically for the American market.
Podmore, Walker & Co. was a Staffordshire pottery firm based in Tunstall, operating from 1834 through 1859. The company was known for its Pearl Stone Ware, a durable earthenware/stoneware body decorated with transfer-printed designs. Their extensive range of patterns included Corean, Washington Vase, Venus, Temple, and Manilla. The firm's wares were exported extensively, particularly to North America.
The name “Corean” reflects the period's fascination with imagined Eastern landscapes and architecture. The design itself is best understood as Chinoiserie, rather than a literal depiction of Korea: pagoda-like architecture, tropical palms, ornamental gardens, and exotic landscapes were common motifs in Staffordshire's 19th-century transferware.
The deep, almost black-purple coloration is characteristic of flow black/mulberry transferware, in which the printed decoration softened and blurred during firing, creating the atmospheric quality seen here. Examples of Corean are documented specifically in mulberry as well as blue.
Origin: Tunstall, Staffordshire, England
Maker: Podmore, Walker & Co. (P. W. & Co.)
Pattern: Corean
Material: Earthenware
Date: c. 1834–1859
Decoration: Flow black / mulberry transferware
Dimensions: 7.75" diameter
Condition: Antique condition with age-related crazing, discoloration, and minor imperfections consistent with age and use. Please see photographs for details.