Dunmore Plaque
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Object number20762.01
TitleDunmore Plaque
CreatorDunmore Pottery (manufacturer)
DescriptionThis large, ceramic plaque was made around the turn of the 20th century by Peter Gardner (1835-1902), at a pottery on the Dunmore Estate near Airth. The central image is a Japanese samurai warrior, brandishing his sword. He stands under an elegantly arching cherry blossom tree, surrounded by a garland of flowers that sits just inside the rim of the plaque.
The rim itself is also beautifully decorated with an interlacing Greek key design. While in ancient Greece this symbolised infinity, it was also used in both Chinese and Japanese textile designs and in architecture. The whole piece is enhanced by the rich yellow-ochre glaze that is so often seen in work produced at Dunmore at this time.
The Dunmore Pottery had been around since the late 18th century making bricks, tiles and domestic pots using clay dug from the land. Things changed when Gardner took over after the death of his father in 1866. He began to import fine china clays and started to experiment with different shapes, glazes and finishes.
Gardner drew inspiration from the landscape around him on the Estate, as well as from Chinese and Japanese culture. His work soon became very popular – and very collectible. Queen Victoria was a patron and her son, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) visited the pottery while staying on the Estate. We are very fortunate to have numerous pieces of Dunmore Pottery in our collection.
Production date 1890 - 1900
Object namePlaque
Materialceramic
TechniqueMoulded
Dimensions
whole Diameter: 380 mm