Antique Edwardian Ironstone Butter Dish

A rare Edwardian white ironstone butter dish with integral willow butter pat in its centre, dating from the early part of the 1900s.

These white ironstone butter dishes are rarely found. Much more commonly, engraved "butter" dishes were carved into a wooden surround, with a separate willow liner inserted into the centre. This is an all-in-one white ironstone equivalent, with the willow patterned centre an integral part of the dish. This has the added benefit of being easier to clean.

This butter dish is in nice antique condition, with no cracks or crazing. There are a number of age spots where the ironstone has stained lightly from contact with grease. These are notable on the top rims but are most notable on the back of the plate, where there is spotting. There is also a very small chip to the outer rim of the dish, but this is old as this has worn and aged with the rest of the plate, and it not overly notable. 

Diameter, 16.5cm; Height, 2cm