Edwardian Butter Dish

A beautifully decorative Edwardian butter dish, dating to the early 20th century, with an elaborate scalloped form, rich teal-green edging and delicate sprays of purple violets across an ivory ground. The domed cover is particularly striking, with moulded scrollwork, floral details and an ornate raised handle, all picked out in graduating shades of teal.

The matching base shows visible signs of age, including areas of surface wear, discolouration and fine crazing consistent with its years of use. These marks are most noticeable on the interior of the plate and add to the character and authenticity of the piece. Please refer to the photographs for a closer look at the ageing and condition.

Butter dishes such as this were a familiar feature of the Edwardian breakfast and tea table, when butter was commonly served in a dedicated covered dish to keep it cool, protected and presentable. Larger covered dishes were also used for cheese, particularly at breakfast, afternoon tea and supper. Before the widespread use of modern refrigeration, covered ceramic and porcelain dishes served a practical purpose while also forming part of the elaborate table setting—making pieces like this a lovely intersection of everyday domestic history and decorative tableware.

A wonderfully collectible piece for those drawn to the romantic, highly ornamented ceramics of the Edwardian period, and one that would look equally beautiful displayed on a breakfast table or amongst an antique china collection.

Details

• Period: Edwardian, early 20th century
• Form: Covered butter / cheese dish
• Colour: Teal green, ivory and purple
• Dimensions: 10" × 9" × 5" high
• Condition: Antique condition with visible ageing, surface wear, discolouration and fine crazing to the base, as pictured.