Antique Griffin, Smith and Hill Etruscan 9" Majolica Colorful Begonia Leaf Tray
Description: A beautiful colorful antique and very decorative American majolica tray. The tray is in the shape of a leaf and is ~9" long. The tray is very colorful and has green, in various shade, in the center with yellow and violet along the edge. There is also some brown and yellow in the center. The piece has raised design depicting vanes and natural waviness which would be found in the leaf. This design is known as the Etruscan Begonia Leaf Tray which was originally intended as a pickle dish. See page 134 in Mariann K. Marks' book Majolica Pottery published by Collector Books of Paducah, KY in 1983 for a similar example. The back of the plate has the typical green coloring Majolica ware made by Griffin, Smith and Hill factory have. The back also displays the earlier mark used by the factory (1879-1889) in the center, depicted on page 187 in Mariann K. Marks' book Majolica Pottery published by Collector Books of Paducah, KY in 1983. The back of the plate also has a raised foot with a flat area within it having the maker's mark. Just a beautiful decorative antique American majolica plate. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but it was produced sometime in the period 1879-1889.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The plate itself was made in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~9" long, ~6 3/4" at its widest, and is ~2 1/8" at its highest. The plate weighs slightly over 15 ounces.
Maker: Griffin, Smith and Hill Company.
Marks: Marked with the interlocked letters "GSH" within a circle with the words "ETRUSCAN*MAJOLICA*" along the perimeter (see photos for details).
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice and very interesting piece of antique American Majolica that is in relatively good condition. The piece would display very well and make a nice addition to your Majolica collection.
Condition: The plate is in relatively good condition with no cracks, hairlines, or repairs. The colors are vivid and the plate is clean and would look great in your collection. There are two small flea bites (small chips) along the edge, one at the tip of the plate and the second along the edge, which we show in the 6th and 7th photos. In addition, the plate displays general fine crazing to the glaze which is difficult to see dues to the coloring. Finally, the plate has several manufacturing issues namely in the form of small bubbles/pops in the center of the top and unglazed spot under the foot of the tray (see the 5th photo). Be that as it may, this is a very nice antique piece of soft pottery with elaborate raised design that is almost 150 years old and is worthy of a spot in your art pottery or Majolica collection. Please view photos for additional condition information.
