Style File
June 26, 2018
Last week I wrote about summer things including oyster plates. Admittingly, I know little about
this subject and even less about antique oyster plates. Doing some research, I found that the Victorian era saw a rise in oyster consumption and subsequent oyster plate production. Oysters were readily available in the 19th century and while they were first a working man’s staple, over
time the upper classes enjoyed oysters and ordered china featuring the organic shaped oyster plates. The best-known ceramic oyster plates were made by Minton, Wedgewood, Haviland of Limoges, Belleek, an America’s Union Porcelain Works. When purchasing Oyster plates look for hand painted, high quality plates with unique details and designs by well-known manufacturers. Sea themes like star fish and shells can be seen hand painted on oyster plates. Condition is important so do not purchase oyster plates that show any damage, chips, cracks, abrasions, glaze skips, hairline fractures or inclusions. Carefully display them in a china cabinet free of dust and heat. Oyster plates were also popular wedding antiques and collectibles because of the oyster’s we
ll- known history as an aphrodisiac. Paula Deen, television chef and cookbook author, popularized her collection of oyster plates along with her Southern oyster recipes. Antique, hand painted oyster plate collection is from Union Porcelain, dated 1879. Multi-colored Union Porcelain oyster plates range in price from $395-$495 per plate.
Just a note, Ghent Antiques has a Lay-A-Way option.
XO
Marjorie
Ghent Antiques/Spertner Jewelers
1440 Colley Avenue
Norfolk, VA
Phone: 757.623.3311
Hours: M-S 10: -5:30 S 1:30-4:30