Majolica Spolight: Forester’s Rose and Rope Pattern

Forester majolica Rose & Rope teapot

One of the most commonly available patterns to the majolica collector is one attributed to English manufacturer Thomas Forester—Rose and Rope. It certainly must have been a successful pattern considering the large number pieces that have survived today.

Forester majolica Rose & Rope platter

Forester majolica Rose & Rope cake plate

Forester majolica Rose & Rope bread dish

Forester majolica Rose & Rope tea set

Forester majolica Rose & Rope plate and bowl

Forester majolica Rose & Rope plate

The pattern has a budding wild rose against a basketweave ground in a variety of colors. A rope wrapped around the pattern pieces divides the ground into quarters. All of the flat pieces have a cobalt center, but the basketweave surrounding it can be yellow, cobalt, gray, turquoise or brown.

Forester majolica Rose & Rope compote

Forester majolica Rose & Rope dessert service

Forester majolica Rose & Rope teacup and saucer

Forester majolica Rose & Rope matchbox

Forester majolica Rose & Rope humidor

Forester majolica Rose & Rope mustache cup and saucer

Forester majolica Rose & Rope tray

The pattern is quite reasonably priced in general with plates selling under $100 and serving pieces like teapots and compotes selling for around $300. Pieces with a cobalt basketweave ground sell for about 50% more than that of the other colors because are much less common.

*This post has been updated since it was first published.