Victorian, circa 1880. 5.3ins high, 10.6ins wide, 7.6ins depth. Unidentified English Majolica game dish and cover with a quail egg stand inside.
Features a basketweave-effect dish with twin handles, the lid with game and leaves.
The egg holder (quail egg) with inserts surrounded by wheat.
Colouration: yellow, pink, brown, are predominant.
N.B. This rare game dish was discovered with the egg stand inside. From the nature of the source, it is plausible that the egg stand and the dish were originally bought together as a set. It is however odd that we see the egg stand sold alone on a number of occasions, but the dish itself is very scarce. Regarding the maker, if I was to take a guess I'd say most likely Joseph Holdcroft.
CONDITION: Dish: Very Good. RESTORATION. A few small filled chips to the rim.
Kiln effect: craze line to the underside of the lid. Does not go through the pottery to the outside. Is only present on surface on inside, as illustrated.
The egg stand: Very good. No restorations.