Paragon China (1919 ~ 1960) was based in Longton, Stoke-On-Kent and produced very high quality fine china with a range of stunning designs, particularly breakfast settings.
Over it's history, the company was awarded a number of Royal warrants and eventually Paragon became part of the Royal Doulton group.
This side plate/cake plate is quite special because the "traditional" flower designs abound but not many 1920's ~ 1930's Art Deco designs are to be found, if Art Deco period is your "thing" this piece from Paragon is a perfect example.
Paragon China Side Plate/Cake Plate
Produced between 1919 & 1930 (based on the backstamp)
Pattern name: unknown
Style: Art Deco
Dimensions: 150mm diameter
Octagonal shape
Weight: 125g
This is very fine bone china, you can notice it immediately when lifted as it is quite light for the size.
The china is translucent (hold to the light and you can see the shadow of your fingers through the china)
The design of this piece uses a black vellum (film) transfer border. A collection of very colourful fruit are depicted and these are hand painted, not a transfer. The artist skill level is high, these have been skillfully painted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
SIDE PLATE/CAKE PLATE:
Background colour is White (centre area) and a very light Yellow (Lemon)
Gold gilding has been applied to the outer rim edges and one ring near the centre.
Because I have TWO identical plates, any differences in cosmetic condition are noted here.
NO signs of any wear to the gilding.
NO chips/flea-bites on ONE plate
However the other plate has a very small edge "flea-bite" or chip to the UNDERSIDE of the edge. This defect cannot be seen from the top but it can be felt with your finger and viewed from underneath. It is not a big issue but it is an issue none-the-less.
NO cracks
NO crazing
NO discolouration or marks to the lemon yellow background (unlike the creamer jug I also have on offer)
The artist hand artwork (within boundaries set by the vellum) is in excellent condition, no wear apparent.
BACKSTAMP INFO:
(In flowing handwriting, black)
Vellum
China
by Paragon
England
There are 3 artists marks (gold, black and red/brown) and these were extremely important to the pottery artist so that their work could be credited and paid for - they were paid "per piece" by the pottery.
