{"product_id":"antique-meakin-block-optic-square-covered-dish-underplate","title":"Antique J \u0026 G Meakin Block Optic Square Ironstone Covered Dish with Underplate, England c.1890","description":"\u003ch3\u003eA Rare Square Classic Block Optic Form with Original Underplate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 14px 0; padding: 8px 14px 6px 14px; border-left: 3px solid #334FB4; background-color: #f8faff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #334fb4; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eCollector’s Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSquare-form ironstone covered dishes are less frequently encountered than their oval counterparts, offering collectors a more distinctive variation within traditional English tableware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples that retain their original underplates are especially desirable, as complete sets were often separated through years of use. Within the \u003cstrong\u003eClassic Block Optic\u003c\/strong\u003e pattern, this combination of form and completeness makes for a particularly appealing and harder-to-find example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"609\" data-end=\"821\"\u003eThis antique\u003cstrong\u003e J \u0026amp; G Meakin Classic Block Optic\u003c\/strong\u003e ironstone covered dish with matching underplate, produced in Staffordshire, England circa 1890, is a distinctive and increasingly sought-after example of Victorian tableware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"1205\"\u003eUnlike the more commonly found oblong forms, this piece features a \u003cstrong data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"912\"\u003esquare-bodied dish\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving it a stronger architectural presence and a slightly more unusual silhouette within the \u003cstrong\u003eClassic Block Optic\u003c\/strong\u003e (or “Mitered Block”) pattern. The set is further enhanced by its original underplate—an element often separated or lost over time—making this a more complete and desirable presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 14px 0; padding: 8px 14px 6px 14px; border-left: 3px solid #334FB4; background-color: #dee6ff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #334fb4; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eDecorating Appeal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 6px 0 4px 0;\"\u003eThis square covered dish with underplate creates a layered, dimensional look that adds depth to a display. Ideal for open shelving, hutches, or dining tables, it works beautifully as a centerpiece or stacked element among other ironstone pieces. The clean white finish and structured form complement farmhouse, English country, and transitional interiors, while the underplate adds visual weight and a sense of completeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1441\"\u003eThe fitted lid is clean and well-preserved, with a ring finial accented by subtle starburst detailing. The base retains the early \u003cstrong\u003eJ \u0026amp; G Meakin Royal Arms\u003c\/strong\u003e mark, confirming its production during the firm’s peak late 19th-century period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1443\" data-end=\"1723\"\u003eThe dish remains in very good antique condition, with only minor interior spotting and a small chip to the inner rim, while the underplate shows light discoloration and faint crazing consistent with age. These signs do not detract from its overall display appeal and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3098\" data-start=\"3083\"\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eDish: 9″ (handle to handle) x 7 ⅛″, 5 ½″ H (with lid); 3 ⅛″ H (base), Lid: 7″ × 7″, Underplate: 10 ½″ (handle to handle) x 8 ¾″\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 14px 0; padding: 8px 14px 6px 14px; border-left: 3px solid #6A7A8A; background-color: #f4f6f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #4a5560; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eHistorical Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"639\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ \u0026amp; G Meakin\u003c\/strong\u003e was one of Staffordshire’s leading 19th-century pottery firms, founded in 1851 by brothers James and George Meakin, sons of master potter James Meakin of Hanley, England. The company specialized in producing durable, affordable white earthenware—often referred to as “granite” or ironstone—designed to meet growing domestic and export demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"979\"\u003eFollowing the \u003cem\u003eAmerican Civil War\u003c\/em\u003e, J \u0026amp; G Meakin became a dominant force in the U.S. market, helping popularize ironstone as a practical yet refined alternative to porcelain. Patterns such as \u003cstrong\u003eClassic Block Optic\u003c\/strong\u003e—also known as “Mitered Block” for its squared, paneled form—reflect the firm’s emphasis on strength, simplicity, and distinctive design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003eThe Meakin family’s influence extended well beyond their own factory, with descendants and relatives going on to establish other major Staffordshire potteries, including Johnson Brothers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thetownhouseantiques.com\/collections\/antique-ironstone\" title=\"Antique Ironstone | English \u0026amp; American Earthenware\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eAntique Ironstone\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ecollection for additional pieces of ironstone, including pitchers, tureens and covered dishes, plates, platters, compotes and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"J \u0026 G Meakin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":20329093169210,"sku":"","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0114\/3262\/4186\/files\/100_8013.jpg?v=1776109586","url":"https:\/\/thetownhouseantiques.com\/products\/antique-meakin-block-optic-square-covered-dish-underplate","provider":"The Townhouse Antiques \u0026 Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}