Large Antique Amherst, Japan Ironstone Footed punch bowl with a scalloped edge in a floral Chinoiserie design.  It's decorated in an Imari-inspired pattern called "Amherst Japan", comprising flowers, leaves and inside, a pagoda and gravel path. "Amherst Japan" is named after Lord Amherst (1773-1857), the successful British diplomat who was envoy to Beijing and later, the Governor General of India.
 
It's a nice bowl, and the clay on the outside is also impressed with a looped pattern in the shape of a horseshoe. The "Amherst Japan" Imari-inspired pattern was very popular in  the mid- Victorian period. The pattern is printed in blue then hand painted in overglaze enamels and produced by several firms in the 1840s and 1850s. We believe this punch bowl to be an genuine Minton 'Amehurst Japan' design  according to the mark (see photogragh) would have been made c1836 to 1841 - but we couldn't swear by it as the bowl does have elements of "Gaudy Welsh" about it.  
 
'Gaudy Welsh' was produced in the Cambrian Pottery Swansea between 1831 and 1850 and in the South Wales Pottery in Llanelli from about 1840 which specialisied in 'reproductions' of popular pottery designs of the day. Gaudy Welsh is highly collectible today - so either way if it is either original Minton or Guady Welsh, its an interesting piece. 
 
It does have a significant hairline crack (please see photos) which runs from rim to base but it has been expertly mended and stapled together. We love a staple and believe it adds to the character of the piece!
 
Planted generously with Hellebore 'Christmas carol' in an inner plastic bowl which will flower all winter and can be planted outside into the garden at the end of the season. The bowl would make the perfect pot pourri bowl when not used as a planter. Would also look lovely with fruit in it. We always pop in the provenance of the container and detailed care instructions for your plant. 
 
Our vintage planters make beautiful gifts and are gift-wrapped with a personalised card. We send out everything carefully packaged in recycled packaging and hay which is compostable, using DHL Parcel overnight.