A rare 18th century English delft pancake plate, painted in blue and iron red with a charming depiction of a mayfly fluttering among willow branches. Produced around c.1730, this plate is almost certainly from the Bristol delft works, where the combination of blue outlines and iron red detailing was characteristic of early-18th-century production.
The decoration is lively and freely executed, with the mayfly captured mid-flight and surrounded by stylised foliage strokes.
About this 18th century English delft pancake plate
This example is notable for both its subject matter and its excellent surface condition, with the decoration remaining crisp and well preserved. Such insect motifs appear occasionally, and this example could possibly have been made for a fisherman.
Dimensions
Diameter — 19.5 cm
Condition
Excellent condition with only the lightest rim wear expected for the age; no cracks or restoration.
Period & Origin
England, Bristol, circa 1730
Tin-glazed earthenware (“Delftware”)
Provenance
Private English collection.
Related Pieces
See our English Delft ceramics collection for comparable examples.
This pancake plate dates to the early 18th century and sits comfortably alongside other examples featured on our 18th Century ceramics page, where related wares are grouped by period.
Enquiries
If you would like further photographs, condition details or shipping information, please contact us and mention the piece you are interested in quoting “18th Century Delft Pancake Plate with Mayfly c.1730.”
