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No. 2184 Lover's Eye Painting on an English Royal Stafford "Gloria" Plate

Sale price$175.00

A Lover's Eye oil painting on an English china saucer by Royal Stafford in the "Gloria" pattern with a cheerful botanical border in kelly green, yellow, pink, and tan with a gilt-edged border, measuring 5.5" (wire spring plate hanger included). 

THE HISTORY: Lover's Eyes were a jewelry trend c.1785-1830 of brooches set with tiny watercolor portraits on ivory. Since they were cropped to eyes, they were in many ways more direct and intimate than traditional miniature portraits; but also because they were just eyes, they were often used as daring public testimonies of clandestine love affairs with mystery lovers. 
THE CHINA: Many of my Lover's Eyes are set in antique saucers and dishes which not only work as unexpected frames but add a layer of historical narrative on top of the origin story. Each piece has a unique blend, so that some are more romantic, some more exotic, and some more otherworldly.