Leeds Pottery, Two “liverpool Birds” Plates, Ca. 1770–1780

A rare set of two English creamware plates by Leeds Pottery, Hunslet, Yorkshire, circa 1770–1780. Both pieces are in the "Queen's shape," with a six-lobed wavy rim and double molded relief.

The Liverpool Birds design is printed using a brown-black transfer: exotic birds in a landscape in the center and six small bird scenes along the rim. The print is exceptionally well-preserved, with sharp, clearly legible central scenes and rim vignettes. The design is associated with the Liverpool engravers Sadler & Green, pioneers of high-quality transfer printing on porcelain and creamware. The Liver bird—a mythical hybrid of an eagle, a cormorant, and a heron—is the emblem of Liverpool and appears on the city’s coat of arms.

The reverse of plate 1 bears an incised letter “R,” a technical production mark. At that time, Leeds Pottery frequently left its creamware unmarked. A major rival of Wedgwood, the factory is renowned for the finesse of its casting and its soft ivory hue.

Dimensions: Plate 1 — weight 359 g; diameter 23.9 cm; height 2.5 cm. Plate 2 — weight 348 g; diameter 24.5 cm; height 2.3 cm.

Condition: UV examination confirms the absence of restoration or retouching. Plate 1 is in excellent original condition, with a small chip on the rim and no crack. Plate 2 has a small chip on the rim and an extremely subtle crack approximately 4.5 cm long, running from the rim toward the center; it is almost invisible to the naked eye.

Please examine the attached photographs carefully; they are an integral part of this description. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.