Minton Majolica centerpiece, naturalistically modeled as a pond bed with simulated water glazed in cyan blue, with green glazed lily pads and flowering pond lilies (lotus), and reeds glazed in various shades of green, with brown and ochre-glazed cattails molded in high relief to form the border, with a central lotus flower glazed in white and blue, concealing a solid brass original fitting for a candle, doubling as a receptacle for an (optional) additional tier which would have screwed into the fitting; the fitting is removable. Impressed marks to reverse: 'MINTON' and Minton date cypher for 1863; an impressed 'A' possibly for the designer, Thomas Allen, who worked for the firm from 1854 to 1875; ** and impressed pattern number '1041,' which corresponds to 'DISH - LOTUS AND BULLRUSH - 15' in the Minton ornamental shapes books preserved in the Minton Archives.**

Measurements: Diameter 15.5 x height 4 inches.

In excellent antique condition, with no damage, repairs, or restoration guaranteed. For over 28 years we have been among the world's preeminent specialists in fine antique Majolica. Book References: Christie's New York, "500 Years: European Decorative Arts, April 14-15, 2011, sale number 2435; lot number 249 (same pattern, color illustration). Victoria Bergesen, "MAJOLICA: British, Continental and American Wares, 1851-1915." London: Barrie & Jenkins Publishers, 1989, pp. 171-172. Joan Jones, "MINTON: The First Two Hundred Years of Design and Production." Shrewsbury, England: Swan Hill Press, 1993, Appendix E, p. 349. Minton Ornamental Shapes (i.e., pattern numbers) listed pp. 343-377 (partial).