Title
Plate, "Singapore" pattern
Year/Period
Late 19th century
Region
Glasgow, Scotland
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Object size: 2.9 x 24.0 x 23.9 cm
Accession No.
2022-00843
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Dr Kenson Kwok
"Rice plate" is the name ceramics collectors use for large, shallow bowls like this, which became popular in Southeast Asia. They were well-suited to the region's cuisine. This plate made in England by Bell Pottery carries the "Singapore" pattern. The design features an interpretation of a popular floral batik motif paired with a butterfly. In the rim are vignettes featuring local flora such as the pitcher plant. Transferware ceramics are decorated by a process in which a design is printed onto tissue paper, then transferred directly to the piece of pottery before firing, allowing for complicated designs to be produced quickly and without the need for skilled painters.
