Antique James Donovan of Dublin earthenware plate decorated in blue & white transferware and Hand coloured - Water lily pattern circa 1800

A rare, collectable and attractive example of Irish under glaze blue and white transfer printing with hand colouring. An earthenware plate decorated by James Donovan and Co of Georges Quay, Dublin, Ireland. James Donovan and son were retailers and decorators, they imported English Staffordshire pottery and porcelain blanks and decorated them to their own designs. He operated from 1770 to 1829. Donovan earned the nick name " The Emperor of China".

This Georgian style Water Lily pattern plate in classic Imari palette and design, dates to the Regency era 1810 - 1820.  The main pattern is transfer printed, but has been hand coloured and the outer iron red diamond diaper border has been hand painted. This beautiful ironstone small side plate, stand or underplate has a white earthenware body with a flat base without a foot rim. The underside has a black transfer printed mark Donovan and a number of decorator's marks.

The plate measures approximately 6 1/2 inches (16.5 cm) diameter and stands 11/16 inch (1.7 cm) high. It weighs 151 grammes unpacked. It is in good  antique condition with no chips, cracks nor restoration, there is some crazing to the glaze and wear to the enamel. The base has significant signs of wear. Please see the images.

This is a beautiful and excellent example of antique early 19th century Irish blue and white transferware of the Georgian period from the highly regarded decorators - James Donovan and Son. A great item for display or for use.