Cotswold House Antiques

Description

An Outstanding 'Bishop' Branded Antique Cabinet Fruit Set

Early 20th century.

Consisting of six shallow bowls and a large oval centrepiece.

Each piece with a central circular or oval panel, hand painted with a design of various fruits. The coloured enamels here are sublime - thickly applied and generously painted - with glowing colours and delicious looking fruits.

Most of the pieces are signed W.Birbeck a highly regarded and prolific ceramic artist of the time, working for several factories.

The fruit panels set against a spattered effect powder blue ground, over which is a very intricate (printed) gilded design. Bordered with an ivory ground and yet more printed gilding.

The backs plain white. Six with the black printed 'Bishop Made In England' backstamp (and the registration number of 582917', one with a slightly different backstamp featuring an oriental person and marked 'Oriental Ivory', Bishop, England.

This fruit set is simply glorious and displays extremely well.

It would look splendid in a cabinet or upon a dresser.

Condition Report -

In overall very good condition. Most of the painted designs are signed W. Birbeck, however the signature is absent and faint on a few. On close inspection, using a 10 x magnifier, there is some crazing to the painted designs. The large oval centrepiece has a tiny fragment of red painted enamel away to the middle. This is a very easy touch up for a restorer, but I leave as is to show the prospective buyer how it is. Some crazing evident to the white back of the oval centrepiece, but not too discoloured and very acceptable for age. All pieces are free from major faults. Generally the gilded designs are in wonderful order and highly reflective with minimal rubbing. Minor surface marking and a little discolouration verso to the white backs of the bowls from storage. All in all a stunning set rarely seen or found quite like this.
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