Pair of Antique 1880 Pinder, Bourne & Co. Aesthetic Movement "Nipon" Pattern... For Sale

1Title:Pair of Antique 1880 Pinder, Bourne & Co. Aesthetic Movement "Nipon" Pattern Hand-Enamelled Plates – Burslem, StaffordshireDescription:This is a striking, matching pair of 19th-century English earthenware plates produced during the height of the Victorian Aesthetic Movement. The plates feature the highly sought-after "Nipon" pattern (an intentional period misspelling of Nippon, referencing Japan), capturing the Western fascination with Japanese art (Japonisme) during the late 1800s.The asymmetrical, avant-garde design artfully depicts a partially unrolled Japanese scroll. Inside the scroll is a crisp black transfer-printed landscape featuring two wading cranes under a prunus (cherry blossom) tree. The scroll is dramatically juxtaposed against stylized geometric panels reminiscent of Greek key or traditional textile weaves, all floating on a dense, background layer of blooming cherry blossoms.This specific variant is beautifully "clobbered" (hand-painted with enamel over the glaze), showcasing vibrant pink cherry blossoms, bright turquoise blue branches, and gilded gold highlights along the borders of the scroll.Maker & Date Marks:The backs of the plates bear detailed historical markings that precisely date the design:Impressed Maker Mark: A faint circular blind-stamp for Pinder, Bourne & Co. of Burslem, Staffordshire, England. This firm was famously acquired by Henry Doulton shortly before this piece was made, marking a crucial historical transition period.British Registration Diamond: Features a full registry mark certifying that the design was officially logged with the UK Patent Office on August 4, 1880 (Material Category IV, Year Letter J, Month Letter R, Day 4, Bundle 3).Dimensions:Standard dinner/cabinet plate size (approximately 9 to 10 inches in diameter).Condition Report: Few Flaws as pictured Nothing significant. Both plates are in excellent antique condition for earthenware of this vintage. The colors and gilding remain bright and clear. No major structural chips or deep hairline cracks are visible on the display faces. Light, expected age-related surface crazing and minor glaze wear on the foot-rims consistent with an item over 140 years old.

British Registration Diamond

This mark was used by the UK Patent Office to certify that a design was registered. Decoding the specific characters:

• Class (Top Circle): IV (Ceramics/Pottery).

• Year Letter (Top Corner): J indicates the year 1854.

• Month Letter (Left Corner): 3 (March).

• Day of Month (Right Corner): 4.

• Bundle Number (Bottom Corner): R.