Majolica Begonia Dish
The Victorians were mad about both majolica and begonias. The largest American majolica manufacturer was Griffen, Smith & Hill, based in Phoenixville, PA. Their “Etruscan” line featured leaf-shaped plates, the most popular of which were the begonias, in various sizes and color combinations (each one was hand-painted, and thus slightly different). The original molds were said to be made from actual begonia leaves! They were used to serve pickles, candies, and other delicacies, and no proper parlor was complete without one. Chips in the glaze, small cracks, and staining. A survivor!
9” x 7”
The Victorians were mad about both majolica and begonias. The largest American majolica manufacturer was Griffen, Smith & Hill, based in Phoenixville, PA. Their “Etruscan” line featured leaf-shaped plates, the most popular of which were the begonias, in various sizes and color combinations (each one was hand-painted, and thus slightly different). The original molds were said to be made from actual begonia leaves! They were used to serve pickles, candies, and other delicacies, and no proper parlor was complete without one. Chips in the glaze, small cracks, and staining. A survivor!
9” x 7”
The Victorians were mad about both majolica and begonias. The largest American majolica manufacturer was Griffen, Smith & Hill, based in Phoenixville, PA. Their “Etruscan” line featured leaf-shaped plates, the most popular of which were the begonias, in various sizes and color combinations (each one was hand-painted, and thus slightly different). The original molds were said to be made from actual begonia leaves! They were used to serve pickles, candies, and other delicacies, and no proper parlor was complete without one. Chips in the glaze, small cracks, and staining. A survivor!
9” x 7”