Hello I wonder if you can help us. We just bought this piece it was produced by Wiliam Adderley, the pattern is Mikado which would make it c1885. c.30cm diameter
Our question is what on earth was its function? We have researched as much as we can but have never seen a piece like this.
The base is sturdy - intriguingly the internal pattern stops just as the overlap above begins. Could it be a dish for serving food on a side board, where perhaps the hotplate element would have slotted under the lip. It looks like a large shaving bowl. No handle so not a bedpan.
Anyhow, any suggestions would be gratefully received!
Many thanks
Caroline