Spode Blue Italian Appraisal

Spode Blue Italian Large Rimmed Soup Bowl

This is a classic example of Spode's 'Blue Italian' pattern, which has been in continuous production since approximately 1816. The piece is a ceramic rimmed bowl, likely intended as a large soup or pasta plate, featuring the iconic blue and white underglaze transfer print. The central medallion depicts a pastoral scene of Italianate ruins, specifically featuring a prominent castle or tower overlooking a river with a multi-arched bridge. In the foreground, there are grazing cattle and sheep, while the background shows rolling hills and birds in flight. The wide rim is decorated with a complex 18th-century Imari-style floral border consisting of grapevines, wheat stalks, and various flowers, all contained within a beaded edge. The color is a vibrant cobalt blue against a creamy white earthenware body. The craftsmanship reflects the high standards of English transferware pottery, with crisp detailing in the print. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy crazing in the glaze, though slight surface scratches from utensil use might be present under close inspection. This design remains a cornerstone of British ceramic art and is emblematic of the early 19th-century fascination with the Grand Tour and classical landscapes.