Wedgwood’s Unusual and Rare Argenta “Tropic” Pattern

One of the most unusual patterns I’ve come across in Wedgwood’s majolica œuvre is the Argenta “Tropic” dessert series. This is an ingeniously designed dessert series that features plates shaped as individual fruits—melons, pomegranate and squash—with various flowers, leaves and insects adding color and interest to the series. I have only seen six different designs in the series though it is possible that there are others. 

The Wedgwood pattern number of M3099 tells us that the series was introduced at the very tail end of 1881. I don't recall seeing many of these plates in conventional coloration. My guess is that the series was introduced so late in Wedgwood's majolica production cycle that the majority of the majolica produced at the time was for the successful Argenta line so conventional coloration was rare. I have seen this in full color once, shown below.

Wedgwood Tropic plate

I have seen butter pats and dessert stands but never any other matching pieces. Should any readers know of any I would love to hear of them. 

Wedgwood Argenta Tropic fruit butter pat

Wedgwood Tropic dessert stand

For the collector, be aware that the ivory ground is frequently found stained so cleaning is usually required to restore the potter’s original intention. Still, it is a lovely series that fits in nicely with the fashionable Aesthetic Movement that was the rage at the time.