Shape Type: Miscellaneous

Pattern Type: Chinese, Asian and Other Exotic Themes

Date: 1790-1800

Dimensions:

  • Height: 7.75 in (19.685 cm)
  • Length: 12.25 in (31.115 cm)
  • Width: 4.75 in (12.065 cm)

Maker: Spode

Description:

A rare earthenware cheese wheel, or cradle, printed in blue with two line-engraved versions of the Buffalo pattern.  Spode's Type B is printed on the sides and in the interior.  A second version of the Buffalo pattern, Feathered Hats, is printed on the ends of the piece.   This example is not marked but, due to its shape and the characteristics of the patterns that match copper plates in the Spode Museum Trust archives, it can be attributed to Spode.  Cheese wheels, sometimes referred to as cradles, were designed with their distinctive curved shape in order to hold an entire cheese round on its side, so that wedge-shaped pieces could be cut from it.

http://printedbritishpotteryandporcelain.com/what-did-they-make/pottery-item/cheese-cradle