Worcester cress or strawberry dish & stand, pinecone pattern, unusual border c. 1770

restored chip to dish, otherwise excellent

6cm high, 10.5cm wide

While these are called 'Cress' dishes today, 18th century references label them as 'Strawberry Dishes'. This makes much more sense, as strawberries were a popular dessert dish in the period, and a set like this would allow them to drain after being washed, and to have sugar or syrup drizzled over the top; any excess would disappear underneath the berries rather than accumulating in the base of the bowl.