Plate, 9.5 inches diameter. Red transfer. Printed maker's mark for J. Meir & Son. Impressed mark reads "Real Ironstone China." The Meir Greensgate factory in Tunstall was purchased by William Adams & Co. in 1896 and "Bamboo" was one of the Meir patterns that Adams continued. This pattern reflects the Japanese influence following the International Exhibitions in Vienna in 1873 and Philadelphia in 1876. The dramatic bamboo shoots are arranged in the center of the pattern with three cartouches scattered over them. The two rectangular cartouches feature an old mill, and a floral scene. Geometric patterns in-fill the semi-circle. The very bold border is framed by a simple repeated T-shaped figure on both sides. These enclose a row of diamond shapes filled with squiggles and bracketed by triangles.

In 1812, John Meir acquired Greensgate Pottery at Tunstall, Staffordshire, England. He worked alone until 1837, when his son joined the partnership, when at this time the firm was renamed from John Meir to John Meir & Son. Together they produced high quality ironstone and earthenware, most of which was exported to the United States. The family sold the business in 1896 to William Adams & Sons Potters.