Classic J&G Meakin Sunshine (SOL) chinaware
J & G MEAKIN - Desert Dish
Sunshine CROWN
Circa 1940's ~ 1960's era - this famous backstamp had been used since 1912 but the Sunshine series were produced 1940 ~ 1963 Sunshine is the key word on the backstamp, the other registration numbers refer to backstamp registration(s) although it is possible that the last sequence of numbers is the pattern name/number (CROWN RP10158)
Artwork Design: Yellow/Red flowers (type unknown) with foliage
Hand painted
Cream background
Pronounced scalloped rim with a border of decorative patterning also around the rim.
Hand applied heavy gold gilding with feathered edges
Measurements: 148mm diameter and 32mm height
COSMETIC CONDITION:
I have just three desert bowls left, I have nominated them as A, B and C (no particular order of condition)
These are around 80+ years old but have not seen a great deal of everyday use, HOWEVER it is unrealistic to expect there to be no flaws and I have listed anything I observed in this description, it would be a good idea to look at each bowl in the photographs too!
COMMON TO ALL BOWLS:
NO cracks
NO chips
NO discolouration to the artwork - the artist has used bright vibrant colours which to this day remain vivid.
NO crazing observed. Both dry and wet tested (whilst cleaning them) and there are no signs at all of crazing. I would expect this as the bowl would normally have cold contents whereas other tableware such as soup bowls often have crazing after many years as the heat of the soup affects the glaze finish over time.
NO utensil marks, scratches or cuts observed inside the bowl
Gold gilding has been hand applied and it has experienced wear from normal handling. If I was to judge the wear to the gold gilding (only) out of 10, I would be giving it an 8 or about 20% overall wear. Not terribly worn but noticeable when observed closely.
SPECIFIC BOWL CONDITION:
BOWL A:
Light discolouration to one small section of the patterned rim, a light brownish colour which I could not remove using just warm water.
A couple of very very light wear marks to parts of the decoration from normal use - this is VERY light wear (in the form of a light line or two)
Little 'dots' (brown or black) which also could not be removed, these actually appear to be under the glazing and some of them appear to be tiny gold flecks from the gilding.
A couple of spots UNDERNEATH the bowl where the gilder has accidently stroked gold on the underside!
One fleabite underneath, not large.
X stamped into the underside near the backstamp
BOWL B:
No discolouration, unlike bowl A.
No artwork marks or scratches from normal use observed
Little 'dots' (brown or black) which could not be removed, a lesser number than bowl A and similar to bowl A, some have the appearance of gold flecks.
A couple of spots UNDERNEATH the bowl where the gilder has accidently stroked gold on the underside!
One fleabite underneath, not large.
BOWL C:
No discolouration at all
No artwork marks or scratches from normal use observed
A couple of very light 'dots' (black or brown) which I also could not remove - just a couple of these, this is easily the best bowl in this regard.
One fleabite underneath with a couple of blemishs (little bumps in the china) as well
A couple of 'dots' or spots UNDERNEATH the bowl which look similar to those on top
X stamped into the underside near the backstamp
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
Blue/Grey colouring
Sunshine
Regd. 561073
(circular path text)
REGD SOL 381413
(SUN graphic)
J&G MEAKIN
ENGLAND
CROWN
RP10158
Two bowls have an X stamped into the china, one bowl does not - details are above
Works artist marks surround the backstamp on all bowls (yellow and brown) - these marks were extremely important to the worker as they were paid 'per piece completed' not by the hour.
More examples of the very collectable and popular J&G Meakin Sunshine chinaware from around 80+ years ago
