Thou God See'st Me

A magnificent Sunderland lustre wall plaque from the Georgian period, displaying the characteristic pink-to-copper iridescent glaze that so enchanted the households of Britain's emerging merchant class. This compelling piece of British pottery bears the profound biblical inscription "Thou God See'st Me," a sobering reminder of divine omniscience that would have cast its watchful presence over both master and servant alike.

The plaque showcases the distinctive splash lustre technique, where metallic oxides were applied before firing, creating an entrancing play of light across its surface. The central motif features a cherub, herald of divine messages, rendered in transfer print against the lustrous background. The piece is embellished with the characteristic moulded border typical of Sunderland craftsmanship.

Historical Context

Such devotional pieces were particularly favoured in Georgian households, where they served a dual purpose - both as a demonstration of the family's piety and as a subtle reminder to servants of their moral obligations. In an age where household theft was a constant concern, these plaques were often hung in servants' quarters and kitchens, their message of divine surveillance serving as a perpetual admonition.

Condition

The plaque retains its original lustre with the characteristic golden sheen particularly visible along the edges of the pink areas. The transfer printing remains clear and well-defined, with the expected crazing that authenticates its age and adds to its character.

This remarkable piece of British decorative arts serves not merely as an ornament but as a window into the complex social and religious dynamics of Georgian domestic life - a tangible reminder that one's actions, however private, were believed to be forever under the eternal gaze of the divine.