Description: Estate Find Nineteenth CenturyAmericanMajolicaBegonia Leaf TrayGriffen, Smith and Hill We offer a late nineteenth century Majolica begonia leaf tray glazed in soft yellows and greens with traces of pink. The tray was crafted in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania by Griffen, Smith and Hill between 1871-1880. On the reverse the leaf tray is marked with the company’s monogram of GSH.The begonia leaf tray measures 6 3/4” in width, 8 7/8” in length and 2” in height.As seen in the photographs, there are chips on the underside edge and age appropriate crazing. The begonia leaf tray is presented in gently used antique condition with no breaks, cracks or repairs. Griffen, Smith & Hill Majolica The largest and best known of the American majolica manufacturers was Griffen, Smith and Hill of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. In 1867, John Griffen partnered with W.A.H. Schreiber in establishing a pottery in conjunction with the Philadelphia Iron Works producing fire bricks and Rockingham wares. The business thrived and in 1871 John Smith, an English potter from Stoke-on-Trent joined the firm with Schreiber leaving soon thereafter. Griffin’s sons Henry and George joined the firm along with potter William Hill. Thereafter, the partnership was known as Griffen, Smith and Hill and by 1879 had begun producing majolica. Following Hill’s departure in 1880, the company was renamed Griffen, Smith and Company, although and the “H” in the firm’s monogram continued to be used and the original name is still used by collectors. The name “Etruscan” mirrored Wedgwood’s use of “Etruria” and reflected the archaeological discoveries of fine pottery around Rome. The firm expanded in 1885 and began producing other types of wares as the demand for majolica diminished. David Smith sold his share of the company in 1889 and the factory was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1890.The earliest mark was an impressed monogram “GSH” in stylized script. After 1880, the monogram was placed within a circle bearing the words “ETRUSCAN MAJOLICA.” Other impressed letters and numbers indicate the pattern.Etruscan majolica was produced in a multitude of patterns. The most commonly seen forms are leaf plates in various sizes. Small begonia leaf dishes in graduated sizes were produced in many color combinations, the most common being yellow with a variegated center. It has been said that the original molds for these dishes were formed by pressing leaves into soft clay. The dishes were used for pickles or perhaps as ash trays. -excerpt from Majolica International Society
Price: 150 USD
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
End Time: 2025-02-01T17:31:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Origin: Pennsylvania
Pattern: Majolica
Antique: Yes
Occasion: All Occasions
Color: Multicolor
Material: Ceramic
Brand: Griffen, Smith and Hill
Type: Majolica Tray
Era: Victorian (1837-1900)
Style: Victorian
Theme: Leafs
Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899
Production Style: Art Pottery
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Production Technique: Pottery
Handmade: Yes