HARKER WARE STONE CHINA OVENPROOF ENGLOBE INTAGLIO CERAMIC LEMON TREE PLATTER

Description

A little history lesson first, courtest of The Collector's Guide to Harker Pottery by Neva Colbert ...
The ware that many people consider Harker Pottery's best was a patented intaglio process. The result was a design in white that seemed to be carved out of the colored surface. Intaglio refers to a design that is carved into the surface. The process was brought over from Europe by German immigrant George Bauer, who brought the idea to Harker. Patented by Harker, intaglio pieces were originally produced in only blue on white. Later, the intaglio process was expanded to include dozens of colors. The bisque body of the piece was dipped or sprayed with color, and then a stencil with the desired decoration cut out was placed on top. Workers then used grit under pressure to sand away the color in the areas exposed by the stencil. The piece was then glazed and fired. The process results in a white design that feels slightly recessed from the rest of the colored areas of the piece.
The public's growing interest in functional design and their more casual lifestyles were the reasons for the popularity of Stone Chine in the 50s and 60s. The line of heavy gray stone china dipped in solid-color pastels and white (called englobes) became an instant success. The englobes contained tiny chips of metal that gave a peppered look to the colors and also irritated workers' hands. The edges of the pieces were wiped of color to provide a contrasing border. To prevent bubbling of the top surface englobe, the base of the body had to be cleaned by hand of all glaze. This added to the cost, but made the unglazed bases perfect knife sharpeners!
So popular was Stone China that patterned designs in colored englobe were soon added. Eventually, someone tried the intaglio process on Stone China. One of the designs produced at this point in this evolved process is the tree pattern. If the dots on the tree are yellow, it is called Lemon Tree. If the dots are gold, it is called Orange Tree.
And now on to this listing ...
This listing is for a Stone China englobe intaglio platter in the Lemon Tree pattern. The impressed backstamp dates this piece to 1954 - 1972.  It measures 13" X 10 1/2". The back, rim, and tree are all in gray. The dots on the tree are yellow. The background is a speckled cream color. No chips, cracks, or unusual wear. If you look carefully at the photo, you can see a few pale stains in the lower tree area. (They may be under the glaze, I'm not sure). If you are a collector of Harker Pottery englobe intaglio pieces, here's a chance to add to your collection!
Because shipping will likely require a heavy and/or oversized box, I have given you multiple shipping options so you can select the one that is cheapest or fastest for you, depending on your priorities.
I am listing many other items on eBay, including other pieces of Harkerware. So please check my other listings, as I will be happy to combine shipping.
I do not accept returns. Please examine the description and photos carefully, and ask questions if you are unsure.
ABSOLUTELY NO RETURNS OR EXCHANGES!