Plate, 8.75 inches diameter. Black transfer. Printed and impressed maker's marks for James Edwards & Son. The registry diamond dates the registration of this pattern to 17 July 1877. This very unusual pattern contains two disparate stylistic elements, but the registration date and central motif indicate it is an example of the Aesthetic style. The central motif is a Japanesque grouping of five cranes in a field. The border, however, consists of a Celtic-inspired chain of interlocking geometric and zoomorphic elements. Although an odd pairing, the Victorian interest in Asian art forms and European art styles of the past, including Celtic, embody the eclecticism of the Aesthetic Movement.

James Edwards was an earthenware and ironstone manufacturer at the Dale Hall Pottery beginning in 1842. He specialized in producing white ironstone ware which was mainly for export to the United States. In 1851 he took his son Richard into partnership and they operated as James Edwards & Son. James retired in 1861 and Richard continued on his account. James died in 1867. In 1882 the works passed into the hands of Knapper & Blackhurst.