Coalport King's Ware Set: Square Serving Bowl with 6 Matching Square Bowls - 'Canton' Collection

1. Square Serving Bowl:
- Length (including the handles): 27.8 cm
- Width: 24.4 cm
- Height: 5.7 cm

2. Square Bowls:
- Length: 16.9 cm
- Width: 16.9 cm
- Height: 4.3 cm

- Very Good - This set is in very good vintage condition, with some light crazing typical of pieces from this era.
- The hand-applied enamel remains vibrant and intact, with minimal wear to the decorative elements.
- The golden trim shows gentle aging, consistent with the charm and authenticity of vintage Coalport ceramics.

1. King's Ware Heritage:
- This set is part of Coalport’s prestigious King's Ware range, a line synonymous with elegance and regal appeal.
- The term "King's Ware" was used as a marketing designation to evoke an association with quality, luxury, and perhaps even regal or aristocratic refinement.
- It was not uncommon for ceramic manufacturers to use names like "King's Ware" or "Queen's Ware" to emphasise the prestigious nature of their products and align them with the grandeur of royalty or noble standards.
- The King's Ware line often included pieces like that featured intricate designs, transfer-printed details, hand-applied enamels, and rich decorative finishes. These pieces were intended to cater to middle- and upper-class households that appreciated ornate, high-quality tableware and serveware.

2. Canton Design Inspiration:
- The Canton pattern draws influence from Chinese decorative arts, with its iconic pagoda motif serving as a centerpiece.
- "Canton" is historically associated with trade and decorative arts from the Guangdong province in China.
- While this collection isn't overtly Asian in style, the name may have been part of Coalport's branding for this eclectic and decorative pattern.

3. Hand-Applied Enamel Details:
- The raised enamel work in vivid colours adds texture and depth to each piece, making every bowl unique.
- This technique was commonly used to enhance pieces like this by adding raised, vibrant details that would stand out against the transfer-printed background.
- The enamel application adds not just visual appeal but also a layer of texture, which makes the piece feel more luxurious and unique.

4. Brownish-Gold Trim:
- This is likely hand-painted with a warm metallic effect.
- This trim is a subtle way to frame the design and add a touch of elegance, a hallmark of Coalport's attention to detail in their decorative ceramics.
- The tactile texture of the enamel and the warm glow of the trim make this piece a quintessential example of Coalport’s 1920s-1930s craftsmanship.

5. Backstamp:
- The backstamp includes "England," "A.D. 1750," and "King's Ware Canton."
- This particular style of backstamp suggests it was used between 1920 and 1940, a period when Coalport often marked their pieces with "England" to comply with export requirements.
- The "Rd No 743463" refers to the registered design number, which was issued in 1929. This further confirms that the items were likely made in the late 1920s or early 1930s.

6. Uses & Versatility:
This set is perfect for:
- Serving soups, cereals, salads, or desserts in style
- Enhancing the aesthetic of your dining table or display cabinet
- Gifting to collectors or enthusiasts of vintage ceramics and chinoiserie

7. Care Instructions:
- To preserve the hand-applied enamel and golden trim, we recommend gentle hand washing with a soft cloth.
- Avoid abrasive materials and dishwashers to maintain the vibrancy and integrity of the design.