Johnson Brothers “Pareek” Handled Sandwich Plate, c.1930

Creator / Maker Johnson Bros (Hanley) Ltd. (Johnson Brothers), England  Pattern / Line “Pareek” (export-era branding used by Johnson Brothers across multiple named patterns within the Pareek line).  Place of Origin Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire), England.  Date of Manufacture (best determination) Circa 1925–1935 (early 20th century). This estimate is based on the “Made in England” country-of-origin marking (commonly post–WWI / early 20th century) combined with the known early-20th-century introduction and popularity of the Pareek line.  Note: The single letter “J” appearing near the backstamp is observed on comparable Pareek-marked Johnson Brothers pieces; however, public references do not consistently document it as a definitive year code, so the date is given as a best-supported range rather than a single year.  ⸻ Description A refined Johnson Brothers “Pareek” handled sandwich (or cake/tea) plate, produced in England in the interwar period, featuring a central cornflower-blue bouquet with soft foliage and small accent blossoms, framed by a deep burgundy/maroon band. The silhouette is elegant and restrained: a broad coupe form with integrated opposing handles—a classic serving format associated with smart tea services and entertaining. “Pareek” was a Johnson Brothers marketing line name meant to evoke “exotic” prestige in the early 20th century; today it is collected for its decorative variety, export history, and the quality-to-charm ratio typical of Staffordshire tablewares.  ⸻ Materials and Technique (how it was made) • Glazed English earthenware/ironstone-type tableware, factory-formed (molded/pressed) for the handled profile. • Decoration consistent with the period’s Johnson Brothers practice: pattern application under glaze with subsequent enamel/colour work, then glaze firing for a glassy surface and durability. (Your photos show strong colour retention and gloss with minimal wear, consistent with glazed, fired decoration.)  ⸻ Dimensions • Overall width (handle to handle): 10.5 in • Serving well / usable area diameter: 9.5 in • Foot / base diameter: 5.0 in ⸻ Condition (fully disclosed) • One small rim chip on underside only, approx. 3 mm, photographed close-up. • No visible paint loss; burgundy band and floral bouquet remain crisp and saturated. • No observed scratches, hairlines, or cracks under normal viewing. • No apparent utensil wear in the well. (Important: collectors and 1stDibs buyers appreciate directness—this is a minor edge flaw in an otherwise excellent display and serving example.) ⸻ Markings (underside) Backstamp reads (as photographed): “PAREEK” over crown device; “JOHNSON BROS”; “MADE IN ENGLAND”; letter “J”. “Made in England” is a useful dating clue for export-marked British ceramics and is generally associated with the 20th century (commonly post–WWI in many references).  ⸻ Suggested Uses • Sandwich / cake plate for tea service • Petit fours / pastries / scones • Cheese course / charcuterie accents • Canapés / hors d’oeuvres for entertaining • Vanity catchall or entry tray (keys/jewelry) if styled as décor