Set of 6 Late 18th Century English Ironstone Imari Dessert Plates

This set of six plates, crafted by John Turner circa 1795, features the exquisite Imari color palette of iron red, cobalt blue, and radiant gold. The color combination creates a vibrant and striking look, and the design of a dragon soaring amidst a lush garden is captivating. The pattern was inspired by the renowned Imari porcelain patterns of 17th and 18th century Japan. John Turner, the inventor of ironstone, crafted the plates. He held the first patent for ironstone, which he manufactured from 1795 to 1805. The underside of each plate is impressed with the mark “Turner”. The Turner family of potters was active in Staffordshire, England, from 1756-1829. Their manufactures have been compared favorably with those of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons. Josiah Wedgwood was a friend and a commercial rival of John Turner, the first notable potter in the Turner family.