The purchaser was thought to be a private collector.
The plaque, measuring 2ft ½in (61cm), was painted in the Art Nouveau style with a scene from classical mythology within a border of fish and seaweed. It was in good condition save some crazing and wear to the edges.
It bears the Burmantofts Faience mark and is inscribed with the date [18]87 and the monogram LK. This was once accepted as a reference to one Louis Kramer, but newer research has suggested the much less exotic Leonard King as the likelier candidate for some skilful and stylish decoration.
The price ranks among the highest paid for the Leeds factory alongside the series of large-scale vases decorated in the Anglo-Persian style, again by 'LK'. One of these sold in 2005 for £13,000 at Anderson & Garland in Newcastle.
The sale took place on April 9 and the buyer's premium was 20%.
