Victorian Wedgwood Salad Bowl & Silver Plate Servers In Lobster Design, 1886

Large Wedgwood salad bowl from 1886. It is supported by three lobsters as feet and is decorated inside and out with various seaweeds. The transfer print is hand painted in enamel colours. The rim of the earthenware bowl is finished with a band of metal plated in silver. The base is impressed with the Wedgwood mark, along with the date code (TXO, O being 1886). The pattern number (C2457) and painters’ marks (T and R) are painted on.

The matching silver plate salad servers are topped with lobster claw handles and are stamped for James Dixon & Son Sheffield. The silver plate has a few small spots but little scratching. The ceramic claw handles show signs of wear commensurate with age.

The bowl is in good condition for its age but does show some discolouration and crazing as well as wear on the feet. Silver plate on the bowl and accompanying servers is also in good condition.

The bowl reflects the Victorian enthusiasm for exploration and discovery of new flora and fauna. Both the bowl and servers can be found in the Wedgwood museum (item numbers 2226 and 2227).