Victorian Wedgwood Green Majolica Strawberry Leaf Sweetmeat Serving Dish, c.1880

A particularly fine Victorian Wedgwood majolica sweetmeat dish, produced in England during the latter part of the 19th century. Moulded with overlapping strawberry leaves around a central basketweave motif, the dish is finished in a deep green glaze that pools within the recesses, bringing out the detail of the design. Originally intended for serving sweetmeats or small desserts, the dish is both practical and decorative. The rich green colour and sculptural surface work equally well within traditional, contemporary and eclectic interiors. Impressed WEDGWOOD to the reverse. The absence of an ENGLAND mark supports a date before 1891. Three small sagger marks beneath are original to the Victorian firing process. Condition Excellent antique condition. Free from chips, cracks, repairs or restoration. The glaze remains rich and exceptionally well preserved. Dimensions 28 × 23 cm approximate Origin England, circa 1870–1890 WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Worldwide shipping available. All our fragile items are packed carefully for transit. Please message for additional photographs or delivery information. Collector’s Note Wedgwood began producing majolica in 1861, and by the 1870s it had become one of the factory’s most important decorative lines. During the peak years of 1875–1880, Wedgwood introduced an extraordinary number of new designs, many inspired by leaves, fruit and woven basket forms. Wedgwood grouped many of its naturalistic leaf designs under the name Leafage. Its 1878 catalogue also includes a Strawberry Dish, placing this form firmly within the factory’s peak period of majolica production. The larger oblong sweetmeat dish is less frequently encountered than Wedgwood’s familiar round leaf plates, particularly in this condition