Round Plate

The East India Company Round Plate is a historically significant artifact that reflects the legacy of one of the most powerful commercial enterprises in world history. Established in 1600, the East India Company played a pivotal role in shaping British colonial rule in India, and objects like this plate serve as tangible reminders of its far-reaching influence.

• Shape: Classic circular form, commonly used in dining and ceremonial ware of the 18th and 19th centuries.

• Material: Crafted from fine bone china, porcelain, or silver-plated metal. Some rare variants may feature hand-painted enamel or gilded edges.

• Design Elements:

  • Often bears the East India Company coat of arms, which may include lions, ships, flags, or the company’s initials (“EIC”).

  • Borders and center motifs typically reflect a blend of British and Indian artistic styles, such as floral vines, scrollwork, or maritime emblems.

  • Plates intended for higher-ranking officials or special occasions may include engraved names, commemorative dates, or insignia of a specific presidency (e.g., Bombay, Madras, or Bengal).

• These plates were used during official company functions, in the residences of high-ranking officers, or aboard East India Company ships.

• They symbolized not only wealth and status but also the company’s authority and cultural reach across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

• Some round plates were also commissioned for presentation purposes or as commemorative pieces marking important treaties, royal visits, or military victories.

• Today, an East India Company Round Plate is considered a highly collectible artifact, valued for its aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, and deep historical associations.

• It is sought after by collectors of colonial memorabilia, museum curators, and historians, particularly when provenance can be traced to specific events or individuals within the Company’s hierarchy.

• The rarity, condition, and authenticity of markings or engravings significantly impact its value in the antique market.