A Coalport 'Animal Service' dessert plate, circa 1805
The Cougar, the dark-blue ground flanked by gilt stylised foliage, the centre painted with the animal in a grassy landscape, dark blue ground with border gilding of a sparser type, untitled, 22.4cm diameter

"The Cougar - Inhabits the continent of America, and is called by some the Puma, or American Lion; but differs so much from that noble animal, as not to admit of any comparison .... It is fierce and ravenous in the extreme, and will swim rivers to attack cattle even in their inclosures - In North America, its fury seems to be subdued by the rigours of the clime, for it will from a Dog in company with its master, and take shelter by running up a tree." Bewick, Thomas, Ralph Beilby, 1800. A General History of Quadrupeds : The Figures Engraved on Wood. Newcastle upon Tyne, S. Hodgson, R. Beilby, & T. Bewick.

Condition Report

Good condition with no damages or repairs. Some gilding wear to the rim.

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