Platter, 16.75 x 14 inches. Brown transfer. Maker is Pratt & Simpson, who registered this pattern 10 November 1882. This pattern features two sprays of sunflowers on the top and bottom of the platter with a round cartouche depicting Pandora kneeling as she opens the famous box. The right side of the platter features two geometric-infilled overlaid cartouches and the left side features a craggy branch with flower buds and leaves with a round cartouche depicting the bust of Prometheus. In ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus was the brother of Epimetheus and the name Prometheus is written in both English and Greek around the head in the medallion. He was the brother who represented either fore-thought or foresight.

Pratt & Simpson, the originator of the “Pandora” patterns, was a partnership between John Pratt and Joseph Simpson. They operated at the Lane Delph Pottery in Fenton between 1878 and 1882. At some point John Pratt retired and Joseph Gimson joined the business, which continued on as Pratt & Simpson. Joseph Gimson had been listed as the Chairman of the Members of John Pratt & Co. Ltd., which had operated in the Lane Delph Pottery prior to the Pratt & Simpson partnership.