Antique Victorian Cheese Keeper

Recently found at market in England, this Antique Stoneware Cheese Keeper is a charming testament to Britain's love of cheese! From seriously strong Cheddar, to Double Gloucester, Yorkshire Wensleydale, Shropshire Blue, Lincolnshire Poacher - England's love affair with cheese is well-documented and long-lived. Dating from the late 1800s, the statuesque silhouette of this impressive dome and liner make a beautiful presentation to stylishly display your favorite cheeses.

The brilliantly rich colored exterior showcases a classic Imari-inspired palette. Typically featuring designs and colors based on porcelain pieces first produced during the Edo period (from 1603 to 1868) on the island of Kyushu, Japan, interpretations of Imari were very on trend during the Victorian era and remain highly collectible. The cheese base and intricate lid with its gleaming finial knob and aerating vent was painstakingly hand-adorned in shades of cobalt blue, coral red, and lush gold in a mixture of floral and geometric motifs. In England, this playful style of sectioned patterning embellished with fine detail reminiscent of Imari is also known as Gaudy Welsh.  

In an ample size designed for impressively large cheeses and even composed terrines, the generous cavity also makes a lovely display for grouping smaller, complementary nibbles. A lovely addition to any entertaining collection, we are confident this inspiring find will become a favorite addition to your board and platter repertoire, making quite an impression in any setting. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. 9.75" in diameter at base x 5.875"H overall. In good antique condition with discreet signs of age.