A 1940’s Folk Art “Cigar Band” Tobacciana Decoupage Plate

An Attractive & Unusual Cigar Band Decoupage Plate
Unusually Attributable to a Decorator "J.W.Gordon of Cowes"
Over 70 Cigar Bands Applied in a Geometric Patern 
English
Circa 1949

Measures:-
23 cm in diameter

A beautifully completed geometric cigar band decoupage plate with over 70 scarlet and gold cigar bands applied, with blue and green variants adding to the pattern.

This type of 'tobacciana' folk-art decoration became popular in the late 19th/early 20th Century. Very unusually for such items, we have the name of the decorator for this particular example. There is a label to the underside indicating that the piece appears to have been entered into a country fair in 1949 in the "Handicraft Section" the exhibitor was "J.W.Gordon of 9/11 Tennyson Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight" and it is said that the artist was 84. A further annotation indicates that they lived until 1955, when they died aged 90. The completed pattern is of great complexity and would have involved careful planning as the cigar bands are arranged in four semi-circular fans radiating from the sides towards a central astroid square centred with a cigar band cross. 

Would now make a fascinating wall decoration for a country house billiards or games room.

Condition:-
Excellent condition. General grubbiness, as expected and commensurate with age. Some rubbing to the rim but not affecting the beauty of the pattern.