Antique Ridgways Persia Tureen Large Lidded w Under Plate

This is a large earthenware tureen made in the Persia pattern by Ridgways of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. The tureen is made in an oblong form with handles at either end and with a notched lid. It comes with an under plate, although the under plates indent does not accommodate the base exactly, so is not meant for it, although it can be used. The tureen is marked with the Ridgways quiver and bow mark used between 1885 and 1890 and also has a raised British Registry diamond. The registry mark is a little difficult to make out, but it appears to indicate a registered design date of December 17th, 1876. The mark on the under plate has the word England, so dates to 1891 or late. The pattern is floral in red and peach lustre - note that the peach lustre flowers are reflective in the light. The tureen measures 10 5/8 by 6 1/4 across its top opening - it measures 12 3/4 across its handles and has a height of 4 3/4. The under plate measures 9 3/8 by 6 1/8. The tureen has a chip at one of the points of the notched opening, where the ladle would be inserted, and has some wear to the painted top edge and handles. There are three marks to the interior, but I think that these are maybe stilt marks from when the piece was fired. The under plate has some glaze crazing, more noticeable on the underside and an X impact mark that is visible on the under side but not on the top side. Overall, this is in very good condition, especially considering its age and type. This is a wonderful addition to a collection in this pattern, not an easy piece to come by!