This is a large piece of stoneware pottery which was made by Buchan Pottery, who were based at Portobello, near Edinburgh (now closed).
It dates on stylistic grounds to the late 1950s. It is a large serving platter of an unusual abstract shape. It is a sample piece that would have been kept at the factory as a prototype for decorators to follow - or to show clients who might wish to order similar pieces to sell in their retail outlets.
It pattern is called Festival and it was made between 1956 and 1968. The design is an exotic one and consists a composition of stylised fruits - here we see a large pineapple, green and black grapes, pears and apples. The design often included wine bottles (not here) and this gives the image a rather modern French provincial feel.
It will look wonderful on display on a Welsh Dresser in a country kitchen. It is certainly a large piece and would be make a great cheese board and fruit platter for buffet dining. The plate shape was not such a popular one and harder to find now.
It is a large platter measuring 16 inches x 10 inches at the widest point. It is in good vintage condition - and is now over 70 years old. It has no chips or chips and the pattern is without issue. The is a little indentation to the foot on the reverse, as photographed. This is a wee mark made in the creation. It has the usual Buchan Portobello mark.
This pattern and shape is probably of interest to collectors of Buchan pieces. It is listed at a very fair price given its rarer shape, subject and large size. The pattern was not produced in large numbers.
The Festival name reflects the change in modern British ceramics after the Festival of Britian in 1951. Emphasis turned from more traditional floral patterns to more abstract and painterly modern decoration. This is a perfect example of 50s modernist ceramic design the shape is new and dynamic - and decoration suggests food experiences you might have on new "foreign" holiday.
The dish will have to be sent to you as Royal Mail Medium Size Parcel. The postage will be applied to your order at checkout.