Royal Albert Handled Cake Plate | "Heirloom" Pattern

- Handle to handle: 25.2 cm
- Diameter excluding the handles: 22.4 cm

- Very Good - This Royal Albert Heirloom cake plate is in very good vintage condition, particularly given its mid-century age. It has been carefully inspected to ensure it meets the SOSC standard for heritage ceramics.

Body & Glaze: The porcelain remains bright and white with a glossy glaze. There are no chips, cracks, or hairline fractures.

Colour Integrity: The signature cobalt blue is deep and uniform, showing no signs of "bleeding" or fading. The central floral transfer remains vibrant with crisp details in the rust and ochre petals.

Gilding: The 22ct gold filigree is largely intact and retains a high shine. As is expected with authentic vintage pieces, there is very light, age-appropriate thinning to the gilding on the outer scalloped rim and the high points of the handles from gentle handling over the decades.

Surface: There are some utensil marks in the central well.

1. Design & Features
- The Heirloom pattern is a masterclass in the Imari style, a Western interpretation of traditional Japanese porcelain.
- The design is anchored by a deep cobalt blue border, which provides a high-contrast backdrop for the vibrant burnt orange and ochre floral cartouches.
- A defining feature of this specific piece is the scalloped rim and the integrated "ear" handles.
- These handles are not merely functional for serving; they are delicately moulded into the silhouette of the plate and finished with hand-brushed gold filigree that follows the natural curves of the porcelain.

2. Craftsmanship
- Produced in England during the mid-20th century, this plate is crafted from fine bone china, known for its translucency and delicate weight. The application of the 22ct gold gilding is particularly intricate, featuring:
- Gold Scrollwork: Fine-lined gold "seaweed" and scroll patterns overlaid on the cobalt blue.
- Central Ringing: A hand-applied gold circle that defines the well of the plate.
- Diamond Motifs: Small, geometric floral diamonds that sit between the larger panels, creating a sense of Victorian-era symmetry.

3. Uses & Versatility
While traditionally used as a handled cake plate or a "bread and butter" serving tray for a formal tea service, its proportions and handles make it versatile for modern hosting:
- The Tea Table: The ideal vessel for serving petit fours, scones, or a small sponge cake.
- Charcuterie: The bold colours pair beautifully with hard cheeses and dark fruits like figs or blackberries.
- Display: Due to the intensity of the cobalt and gold, it functions as a decorative "anchor" piece in a china cabinet or on a plate stand.

4. Care Instructions
To preserve the integrity of the 22ct gold and the vivid glaze, this heritage piece requires gentle handling:
- Hand Wash Only: Use a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive pads which will quickly thin the gold leaf.
- Temperature: Do not expose the porcelain to sudden temperature shocks.
- Storage: If stacking, place a piece of felt or acid-free tissue between plates to prevent the foot of one plate from scratching the gilding of the one below.