Set of Four Royal Doulton Fish Plates Painted by Joseph Birbeck Senior

A fine group of four Royal Doulton porcelain cabinet plates, each hand-painted with fish subjects by Joseph Birbeck Senior, c.1901–1922. The plates are of scalloped form with gilt rims and pale green borders, each decorated with a naturalistic ichthyological study. The fish are painted in lively river and underwater settings, with reeds, rocks and atmospheric backgrounds. Birbeck’s handling of tone and movement is particularly effective, giving the scenes a wonderful sense of depth and realism. Joseph Birbeck Senior was one of Royal Doulton’s highly regarded porcelain painters and is especially admired for his fish and game subjects. Signed examples of his work remain desirable among collectors of Royal Doulton and fine English porcelain. Each plate is signed by the artist, titled to the reverse with the fish name and marked with the Royal Doulton printed factory mark. Maker: Royal Doulton Artist: Joseph Birbeck Senior Date: c.1901–1922 A very decorative and collectible group of signed Royal Doulton cabinet plates.