Coalport Porcelain Serving Bowls

This is a spectacular pair of oval dishes made by Coalport between 1815 and 1820. The dishes bear the famous and very wonderful bird pattern with the number 759. Panels with stunning hand painted birds and flowers are set in a cobalt blue background with rich gilt decoration. We also have two plates available in this pattern; please see separate listings. This pattern is very desired and doesn't come to the market often, so this is a rare opportunity. Coalport was one of the leading potters in 19th and 20th Century Staffordshire. They worked alongside other great potters such as Spode, Davenport and Minton, and came out with many innovative designs. When we say "Coalport" we usually think of the one Coalport factory that became famous, but in its beginning years there were two factories, one run by John Rose and the other by his brother Thomas Rose. Thomas Rose went into partnership with Robert Anstice and Robert Horton and they were located directly opposite John Rose, across the canal. The brothers' factories had much in common with each other and they shared many different shapes and patterns. Ultimately, the John Rose factory proved more profitable and John Rose bought Thomas' factory in 1814, making it the one Coalport factory that became so famous. Many of the Coalport items, of either factory, are now collectors' items. The stunning thing about pattern 759 is that each bird is different, as well as each flower formation. All birds and flowers are painted carefully in their own colours; they are all different species. Each bird is an individual with its own expression; in fact I once had a large dinner service...