English polychrome Delftware charger, c.1760 with hand‑painted floral decoration

An elegant mid‑18th‑century English polychrome Delftware charger, hand‑painted in vibrant floral tones - a rare survivor of early domestic artistry and Georgian decorative tradition Why We Love This … This mid‑18th‑century English Delftware charger is a beautiful example of early domestic ceramics - hand‑painted, full of life, and carrying the unmistakable charm of polychrome decoration. Its floral palette, softened by time, speaks to the warmth of Georgian homes and the artistry of the potteries that produced these expressive wares. Pieces like this are treasured not only for their decorative appeal but for the glimpse they offer into everyday life in the 1700s. At a Glance Characteristics • English polychrome Delftware charger • Circa 1760 • Hand‑painted floral decoration • Classic tin‑glazed earthenware • Rich, warm palette typical of mid‑18th‑century production • Decorative and historically significant • A fine example of early English domestic ceramics • Dimensions: H: 5cm (2") | W: 34cm (13.4") | D: 34cm (13.4") • Condition: Full condition notes are listed below with Provenance • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase Heritage, History & Craftsmanship Delftware was one of the defining ceramic traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries, produced in England as a response to fashionable Dutch imports. By the mid‑1700s, English potteries had developed their own distinctive style - lively, colourful, and expressive. This charger exemplifies that evolution: hand‑painted in polychrome pigments over a tin‑glazed surface, then fired to fix the decoration. Each brushstroke is unique, revealing the hand of the decorator and the spontaneity of the craft. Chargers of this scale and quality were often displayed on dressers or used for special occasions, making surviving examples both decorative and culturally significant. Social History In Georgian England, Delftware chargers were more than tableware — they were markers of taste and prosperity. Displayed prominently in kitchens and parlours, they brought colour and artistry into the home at a time when most domestic interiors were modest. Their motifs - flowers, foliage, birds, and pastoral scenes - reflected the period’s fascination with nature and ornament. Today, they offer a tangible connection to the rhythms of 18th‑century life: meals shared, homes warmed, and traditions passed down. Condition • Typical age‑related wear for mid‑18th‑century Delftware • Surface glaze irregularities and minor fritting consistent with period production • Stable and decorative • Retains authentic material character Provenance - Private English Collection Provenance Note: Every statement of age or historical aspect is recorded following careful research and consideration. Confidence in your purchase is assured. Terminology by Style “Delftware” refers to tin‑glazed earthenware produced in England from the 1600s onward, inspired by Dutch Delft but evolving into a distinctly English tradition. Polychrome decoration - using multiple colours - became increasingly popular in the 18th century, offering vibrancy and charm that collectors value today. Styling Suggestions • Display on a dresser, shelf, or wall as a statement of colour and heritage • Pair with rustic, Georgian, or country‑house interiors • Beautiful in a kitchen, dining room, or hallway • Works harmoniously with natural materials - oak, pine, linen, stone • Adds warmth and authenticity to both traditional and modern spaces Explore Every Facet These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase • Polychrome floral decoration • Colour saturation and brushwork • Glaze texture and wear • Edge repairs and period damage • Overall form and presence Sustainable Style Thank you for considering this Polychrome hand‑painted floral design Delftware charger, c.1760 - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. Purchase with Confidence White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Every item is described and photographed with care, offering complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and trusted resource for both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each piece, and appreciate these timeless furnishings in person. Delivery & Collection Information • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase • Collection welcome from our Sussex showroom • Local delivery available • Nationwide couriers arranged on request