Rare Early Ridgway Pink-ground Fruit Basket with Matching Stand, c.1815–20

An exceptional example of early Ridgway dessert ware, made in bone china circa 1815–20. The shaped basket is decorated with white relief-moulded floral sprays against a soft pink ground, with fine gilding to the interior. Pierced detailing and sculptural moulding give it the elaborate character of Regency dessert service porcelain. The matching stand is present, completing this particularly desirable set. The supplied reference illustration records this relief-moulded floral form as a rare variation of the Ridgway dessert shapes. The basket is marked with the hand-painted pattern number 586. Structurally excellent, with only light superficial wear. Basket: 11 cm high; 25 × 12.5 cm. Stand: 22.7 × 17.7 cm.