Worcester's "wet blue" ground (also known as "gros bleu") was employed in a variety of des...
Worcester's "wet blue" ground (also known as "gros bleu") was employed in a variety of designs, both on tableware and decorative pieces. For the service from which this plate comes, Worcester has eschewed embellishments other than simple dentil pattern gilt bands, allowing the deep blue tone to exert an undiminished impact. The result is a stark contrast between the border and the center reserve with its colorful Sevres-inspired floral device. Stems of stylized, but still identifiable flowers extend like rays from a tight central cluster of blossoms. The design reflects the extreme level of sophistication the British associated with the taste of eighteenth century French court society.