Carlton Ware Rouge Flambé & Gilt Serving Platter, c.1930s–50s

An exceptional Carlton Ware serving platter in a saturated rouge flambé palette—deep oxblood to aubergine with smoky edge shading—finished with hand-applied gilt that frames the rim and handles with a distinctly luxe, collector-grade presence. The silhouette is bold and architectural, reading beautifully as both a functional serving piece and a display object. The underside is clearly marked “Carlton Ware – Made in England – ‘Trade Mark’ ” with factory numbers, attributing production to Carlton Ware, England, and supporting an early-to-mid 20th century date (best estimate circa 1930s–1950s). Carlton Ware is the trade name introduced in 1894 by the Stoke-on-Trent firm Wiltshaw & Robinson (founded 1890). It became especially collectible for its high-gloss Art Deco-era production—bold forms, saturated glazes, and meticulous hand-finished decoration—made at the Carlton Works in England. What makes Carlton Ware uniquely desirable is that it sits in the sweet spot between decorative art pottery and functional tableware: factory-made consistency, but with luxury-level surface work (deep glaze effects, enamel, and gilding) that reads like “display ware,” not everyday ceramics. ⸻ Craft / how it was made • Mold-formed earthenware body, kiln-fired. • Finished in a high-gloss flambé-style glaze designed to deepen and pool at contours and the rim, creating the dramatic tonal gradients. • Gilding applied by hand and refired to permanently bond the metallic decoration Measurements • Diameter across serving area: approx. 10 in to 18 in (scalloped/oval profile) • Overall length including handles: approx. 12 in • Foot/base diameter: approx. 6 in Matching companion piece available I also have a matching triangular bowl in the same colorway with gold accents available separately—ideal if you’d like to assemble a coordinated set. Attribution & period Maker: Carlton Ware Origin: England Date: best estimate c. 1930s–1950s (based on mark + form/glaze style) Condition Excellent vintage condition with visible glaze crackle (crazing) consistent with age. • No chips • No cracks • No hairline cracks • No scratches • No restoration observed • No wear or loss to the gilt/paint (gold accents remain bright and intact) • Glaze crackle/crazing is present across areas of the surface (fine, stable “crackle” in the glaze only) • Crazing is cosmetic and typical of vintage glazed ceramics; the piece is structurally sound