A Majolica Sardine Box By Thomas Forester & Sons, Late 19th Century

This striking majolica sardine box with lid is a colourful barbotine dish created in England in the late 19th century and attributed to Thomas Forester & Sons. The dish is rectangular in shape and stands on an attached base in the form of a plate. The removable top lid features a relief decoration of fish against a seaweed background, complemented by leaf motifs around the box and bottom plate. The object is hand-painted in cobalt blue and white tones, the base is mustard coloured and the interior is covered with a turquoise glaze. The sardine box is in excellent condition.
Despite the lack of branding, Forester is one of the best known names in majolica. Despite this, most people do not immediately recognise Forester Majolica pieces as most of their pieces are unmarked. Fortunately, thanks to heavy advertising in trade magazines, we can identify some of their patterns today. Unfortunately, despite a significant amount of production, Forester has not been properly recognised for creating many of the products we see on the market today.
Dimensions:
Height: 11.7cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 20cm
Weight: 1233 grams
Condition: There are a few small, almost imperceptible chips on the inner rim and a small hairline crack in the enamel on the side, inside. There are no externally visible defects.
Overall, the sardine box is in excellent antique condition.
Please examine the attached photos carefully as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.