Plate, 9.75 inches diameter. Blue transfer. Printed mark belongs to J. Meir & Son and dates the pattern to c. 1837-1890. The Aesthetic style dates it closer to c. 1880, the later years. The impressed IRONSTONE CHINA mark is usually found earlier in the period. This simple pattern consists of four shapes spread across the well of the plate. The largest is a circular cartouche featuring an Asian-inspired scene of a bird flying over the water with a rustic structure amongst tall reeds in the background. The fan-shaped cartouche is decorated with bamboo and a flower. The other two shapes include two overlapping chrysanthemum mon and an asymmetrical grouping of small boxes filled with concentric boxes. The border is a simple repeating motif of concentric squares and stylized flowers.

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, much of what was exported to the United States. The family sold the business in 1896 to William Adams & Sons Potters.