Wedgwood's Florentine Dark Blue pattern features the manufactory's signature heraldic bestiary — mythical griffins, winged dragons, and fantastical creatures rendered in white relief against a deep cobalt blue ground, framed by gold banding and delicate dot borders — a design first appearing in Wedgwood archives in 1874 and produced in this dramatic dark blue colorway from 1929 to 1989.

This listing includes:
• One (1) Oval Serving Platter - 15⅜" length, 11⅝" width (39.1cm x 29.5cm)

Condition: Excellent—no chips, cracks, or repairs. All gilt banding and cobalt blue ground decoration intact with no wear on heraldic motifs or rim edges.

Details:
• Collection: Wedgwood Florentine | Design: "Dark Blue Rim" (No Center Design), Pattern W1956
• Material: English bone china with white relief heraldic decoration on cobalt blue ground, gold banding and dot borders
• Production Period: 1929-1989 (discontinued)
• Authentication: Wedgwood backstamp with Florentine Dark Blue pattern designation
• Rarity: Discontinued 1989; large oval platters increasingly scarce as complete services leave the market

An ideal addition for collectors seeking authentic English bone china rather than contemporary imitations, this platter delivers Wedgwood's documented Renaissance-inspired heritage — the same heraldic craftsmanship that has graced formal British and European tables for over 140 years, regularly featured in Veranda and Architectural Digest as a design editor staple for its dramatic versatility.

Perfect for:
• Formal holiday roast service — turkey, prime rib, or whole fish presentations
• Thanksgiving and Christmas centrepiece serving platter
• Easter and spring entertaining for larger gatherings
• Completing or expanding an inherited Florentine Dark Blue service
• Wedding registry or bridal shower gift for English bone china enthusiasts
• Housewarming gift for Anglophile collectors and serious china enthusiasts
• Generational heirloom piece passed down through families
• Cold cuts, charcuterie, or cheese board presentation where the cobalt ground provides dramatic contrast
• Wall display as a decorative centrepiece in a formal dining room or library
• Mixing with contemporary white serveware for maximum visual impact

Looks beautiful in:
• Formal dining room sideboards or buffets as a centrepiece serving piece
• Wall-mounted display in dining rooms or libraries where the cobalt ground commands attention
• Glass-front china cabinets alongside other Florentine Dark Blue pieces
• Butler's pantries on open shelving as a statement display object
• Kitchen open shelving where the white-on-cobalt heraldic motif reads as graphic art
• Dark Academia and maximalist interiors where scale and boldness are the point

Complements Decor Styles:
• Old Money British and English Country House
• Dark Academia and Library aesthetics where cobalt and white heraldry resonate
• Grandmillennial and Traditional Maximalist interiors
• Renaissance Revival and Neoclassical tablescapes
• Chinoiserie-adjacent blue-and-white collections where the cobalt ground reads naturally

At 15⅜ inches, the Florentine Dark Blue oval platter commands the table with its wide cobalt border carrying the full heraldic bestiary — griffins and mythical creatures in continuous procession against the deep cobalt ground, framed by the characteristic gold dot-and-dash borders that define the pattern. The generous proportions accommodate a full holiday roast or substantial serving presentation for eight to ten guests, while the dramatic cobalt-and-white graphic reads beautifully from across a formal dining room. The Dark Blue colorway offers a richer, more commanding alternative to the iconic Turquoise, making this platter one of the most visually arresting serving pieces available in English bone china.

History of Pattern and Brand:
The Florentine pattern first appeared in Wedgwood's design archives in 1874 and was introduced on fine bone china in 1931, with the Dark Blue colorway entering production as early as 1929 — making it among the earliest of the Florentine colorways and predating the more famous Turquoise by several years. Inspired by Renaissance art and architecture from Florence, Italy, the pattern's heraldic creatures and fantastical flora reflect the grandeur of the period. Wedgwood, established in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in Staffordshire, earned royal warrants beginning with Queen Charlotte's 1765 commission and created a celebrated 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II — a heritage that underpins every piece bearing the Wedgwood backstamp.

Care Instructions:
• Hand wash only with mild detergent and warm water
• Avoid abrasive sponges or scouring pads that may damage gilt banding and heraldic relief decoration
• Do not place in dishwasher or microwave
• Dry immediately with soft cloth to prevent water spots on gold details
• Store flat with felt or tissue paper beneath to protect rim and decoration

Shipping:
• Museum-quality packaging with full insurance coverage
• Platter individually wrapped in acid-free tissue and bubble wrap
• Packed flat with rigid board support and cushioning material on all sides
• Double-boxed for maximum protection during transit
• Expedited shipping available upon request
• International buyers responsible for customs duties and import taxes