Antique Imperial Semi China Dunn Bennett Wash Bowl

This lovely antique wash bowl was created by Dunn Bennett & Co in Burslem, England.  It is also marked “Imperial Semi China”.

It is large: approximately 16” across and 5” high.  I am not an expert and don’t know if this is china, porcelain or ironstone.  It is very heavy, weighing about seven pounds.

It has a design of shaded reddish orange and lavender iris.  The reddish ones are quite bright, but the rest of the design appears pastel.  The outside flowers have thick raised gilt edging around the petals.  The flowers inside the bowl have gilt embellishments but I don’t think they ever had the raised thick gilt. In between the iris on the outside are a sprig of leaves.   It appears that there was once a gilt border around the rim, but it is worn off on most areas. 

There are definite signs of use including some discoloration around the rim and a stain in the bottom, however it is still attractive.   It is offered as is. 

Thank you for viewing.