Two Wedgewood transfer dishes Ferrara design
Two brown and white Wedgewood oval transfer dishes measuring 10 and 12 inches wide respectively. The designs are from the Ferrara series and feature an Italian harbor dominated by tall ships being loaded or unloaded by busy laborers. The imposing structure on the left is the castle of the Este family in Ferrara, an element that anchors an otherwise imagined scene to a specific location. Based on my understanding of Wedgewood markings, these plates may be from the 1700s but I am not certain.
One plate is 10in x 8in. the other is 12in x 9.5in
Inherited
Yes
Hi Mila,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Wedgwood's "Ferrara" pattern features intricate scenes inspired by Italian Renaissance art and architecture, especially the city of Ferrara in Italy; it reflects post-war interest in traditional European motifs combined with affordable mass production techniques.. The design often includes classical buildings, landscapes, and ornate borders, all rendered in rich brown tones typical of transferware.
Wedgwood did produce some transferware patterns inspired by Italian scenes, including Ferrara, in the early to mid-1800s (circa 1830s-40s; these were in sepia or brown tones. There is also a Ferrara pattern made by Wedgwood in the 1950s-1960s, which revived or reinterpreted these classical Italian motifs using updated transferware techniques.
These *appear* to be the earlier ones, which usually retail for between $300 and $500 each, making this group of two worth $700-1,000.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination to confirm these are the older rather than newer version, this is:
Two vintage Wedgwood brown transferware "Ferrara" pattern platters
mid 20th Century
In sepia-tone transferprinted, impressed WEDGWOOD verso and bearing mid 20th Century retailers labels
One: 10 x 8 inches; the other: 12 x 9-1/2 inches
CONDITION: These appear to be in good condition with minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 300-500 each or $700-1,000 for the group of two*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
