'Holly Border' Majolica Christmas Pudding Platter c1875

A rare and lovely majolica Christmas platter with a mottled central well to hold a good size Christmas pudding (and plenty of brandy) and of course a very seasonal border of holly leaves and berries. In excellent condition, there is the usual micro-crazing to the central well (perhaps through years of festive flambe-ing), but for me this just adds to the character and beauty of this fine piece. Unmarked, but very much in the style of Minton or George Jones. Diameter 25.5cm (10in); diameter of well 16cm (6.3in)