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A beautiful and quite rare antique English blue transferware oval 3 platters set featuring Palazzo Giustiniani in Rome, surrounded by a border packed with Masonic symbols.
The central transfer shows the grand façade of the historic Palazzo Giustiniani (near the Pantheon) with carriages, horses, and figures in period dress. This building served as the Masonic headquarters (Grande Oriente d’Italia) for many years and was affectionately known to Freemasons as the “Vaticano Verde” (Green Vatican). The detailed border is filled with classic Masonic emblems including:• Square and compasses• Level and plumb bob• Trowel and other working tools• All-seeing eye / radiant triangle• Swords and other symbolic motifs• Decorative quatrefoil and floral elements
The first is a substantial oval serving platter, perfect for display or use. It measures approximately 11 inches long by 8.5 inches wide (see photos with tape measure for exact scale). The other two are slightly smaller, at 10” by 8” (see photos with tape measure for scale).Age & Origin: English (Staffordshire region), mid-to-late 19th or early 20th century. Transferware of this style and quality was popular for both domestic use and export. Many Masonic-themed pieces were produced around the time the Giustiniani Palace became the prominent Masonic headquarters.
Condition:• Front: Very good overall with strong, clear transfer and good gloss. Some light surface wear and minor scratches consistent with age and use (visible in close-up photos). No chips or cracks to the body.• Back: Typical heavy crazing (fine network of cracks in the glaze) and some light brownish staining/discoloration, both very common on antique transferware of this period. No structural cracks or repairs noted.• Overall a very presentable and display-worthy example of Masonic transferware.
These pieces would make a fantastic addition to a Masonic collection, transferware collection, or Italian/Roman history display.This is a set of three matching (or nearly identical) examples. Please see photos for condition and details.Shipping to continental U.S. only.
Keywords: Staffordshire transferware, blue and white platter, Masonic pottery, Freemason symbols, Palazzo Giustiniani, Rome, antique serving dish, Masonic collectible, square and compass, all seeing eye, historic transferware, English pottery, antique platter
