Antique English Stone China Soap Dish

This small antique soap dish is a lovely example of English stone china, with its angular form, soft bevels, and practical ridged interior for drainage. Though utilitarian in function, the thoughtful shape and warm off-white glaze give it a quiet elegance. The dish is marked on the underside with a royal arms-style crest and the stamp of Mellor, Taylor & Co., a Staffordshire pottery known for its durable wares in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Measures approximately 4 ½” x 3 ½” x 1”

Mellor, Taylor & Co. was based in Burslem, one of the key towns in England’s historic pottery-producing region of Staffordshire. Their “Warranted Stone China” line referred to a dense, vitrified ceramic similar to ironstone—designed to be sturdy enough for daily use while retaining a refined appearance. The royal-style mark seen here, with its lion and unicorn crest, was common among potteries in this period and reflected England’s tradition of aligning everyday domestic objects with a sense of national identity and quality. This particular piece likely dates to the late 1800s or early 1900s and was made for practical domestic use, whether in a bathroom or on a washstand.

Styling tip:

Use it in a guest bathroom for soap, jewelry, or a small hand towel rolled neatly inside. It’s also lovely beside the sink for a scrub brush or sponge, or on a vanity to hold earrings or a favorite lip balm. Its small size and soft, muted tone make it a subtle but grounding piece that works well in both rustic and refined spaces.