Rare Transferware Miniature Cup Plate

BOY WITH PUNCHINELLA ~ THE HAPPY CHILD

anonymous maker Staffordshire England 1851

This fabulous historical cup plate commemorates the 1851 Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London. Technically a child's miniature toy plate, measuring 3-1/2 inches in diameter, it is transfer printed in sepia brown. The image is titled ‘Boy with Punchinella’ depicting a happy child (or putti) playing happily with a tiny toy Mr Punch. The image on the plate mirrors a life size marble sculpture by Belgian sculptor Eugene Simonis (1910-1882) titled ‘The Happy Child’ that was unveiled and displayed at the Exhibition. The tiny plate was made as a souvenir to commemorate the event. The transferware pattern is quite scarce.  The image of the child is oversized in proportion to the scale of the plate, overflowing the surface of the plate with no border trim.

The tiny plate is in great condition, as shown and as described. No chips cracks or repairs. Stilt mark on reverse side, slight discolored patina on reverse side. Offered as is, a fine example of historic cup plates or miniature transferware, a pocket size work of art.