Antique Ceramic white Victorian Stilton Cheese Dome and Stand

A distinctive and decorative antique made from ironstone earthenware, with a heavily moulded and embossed wheat and barley pattern and a finial at the top designed as a flowerhead, around which are some small ventilation holes. 

History ~
Mid 1800s, Staffordshire England.  It has not been possible to identify the pattern but it is very similar to the John Barleycorn designs produced at the Church Works in Staffordshire.  Such dishes were used for keeping cheese - specifically Stilton - fresh, in times before refrigeration existed.  

Condition ~
The stand has been repaired at some point in its past, and there is a blemish,  please check the images.

Dimensions ~
Dome - H 24 l Diameter of rim 22.5 cm
Stand - H 4 l Diameter of rim 30.5 cm