A rare sgraffito decorated oval-shaped slipware baking dish.  Made at the Fremington pottery in Devon during the mid 19th century.
 
The Fremington Pottery, situated between Bideford and Barnstaple, was founded by George Fishley in 1865 and was run by members of the same family until 1912.

The domestic redwares were much admired by Michael Cardew and Bernard Leach so had an influence on the early studio potters. Harvest jugs and more ornamental pieces were also produced but the above large oval oven dish that was typical of the domestic wares produced at the pottery for most of its lifespan.
 
These dishes were thrown in the round, a central segment then removed, and the two outers squeezed together to give the oval form. Additionally they were made with gravel added to the clay to provide extra strength. The central motif at the bottom of the dish is added to disguise the seam.
 
See reference literature: John Edgler, The Fishleys of Fremington (A Devon Slipware Tradition).
 
The overall condition is excellent with strong bright colours to the slip decoration.  There are three chips to the outer rim, but these do not detract from this wonderful and histrocially important example of provincial 19th century English pottery.