Georgian Blue and White Pearlware Long Bridge Pattern Plate, possibly by Keeling, c. 1800

Royal blue and white pearlware plate in the Long Bridge Pattern, sometimes also known as Swansea Willow Pattern. Two figures cross the three arched bridge between pavilions, as a third looks on from a doorway. A junk bobs on the water in the foreground. The nankin or inner border below the shoulder of the plate has a diaper pattern with reserve panels. The brocade border around the gently scalloped rim features manuscript scrolls.

The plate is unmarked except for a workman’s dash mark in blue. A similar plate is shown in plate 3, p. 121 in Robert Copeland’s book, “Spode’s Willow Pattern”, which attributes the plate to Keeling.