Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Dinner Plate Appraisal

Johnson Brothers Blue Onion / Old Britain Castles Style Dinner Plate

This is a circular ceramic dinner plate, approximately 10 inches in diameter, featuring a classic underglaze blue transferware design on a white vitrified earthenware body. The pattern is a variation of the traditional 'Blue Onion' or 'Old Britain Castles' aesthetic, characterized by a central floral medallion featuring a large stylized peony or lotus flower surrounded by scrolling foliage and smaller Forget-Me-Not style blossoms. A geometric trellis-style border separates the central well from the rim, which is further decorated with a repeating floral and vine motif. The craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced but high-quality English manufacturer such as Johnson Brothers or Royal Copenhagen, likely dating from the mid-to-late 20th century. The glaze appears bright and reflective with no visible crazing, chips, or knife scratches in the center, indicating excellent vintage condition. The dark cobalt blue pigment is crisp and well-saturated, showing little to no bleeding or transfer blurring. This piece represents a quintessential example of traditional English tableware that blends Orientalist design influences with European ceramic production techniques.