‘Coade stone’ is the common name for Lithodipyra, a form of ceramic stoneware used by British businesswoman Eleanor Coade who founded the 'Artificial Stone Manufactory' at King's Arms Stairs, Lambeth in 1769. The durability of the material and its visual and textural similarities with ‘natural’ stone made Coade’s business incredibly successful and her works were frequently used for decorative architectural elements that can still be found at many English country houses and public buildings including the ceiling of Saint George’s Chapel, Windsor. The present lot, bearing the date 1792, was probably originally intended as the central section of a mantlepiece above a fireplace.