This is a highly decorative, Imperial Stone China (ironstone), plate by John Ridgway, dating to the William IVth period of the 19th century.
 
The plate is well potted with a wavy rim. The plate has been carefully hand-painted in bold colorful enamels with a central Chinoiserie pattern of two Chinese ladies sat on a verandah by a willow tree with butterflies flying overhead. The plate has a four part border to the cavetto with panels of children playing. The pattern is also richly hand gilded. The pattern number is 5440.
 
John Ridgway operated at his father’s celebrated Cauldon Place works, Shelton, Hanley, England, between 1830-1856, producing some fine porcelain and stone China of excellent quality. His stone china earthenware's and ironstone wares are discussed on page 305 to 309 of Godden's Guide to Ironstone, Stone and Granite Wares written by Geoffrey Godden for the Antique Collectors Club, with a similar plate illustrated on page 307.
 
This piece is fully marked to the base with an "Imperial Stone China" mark incorporating J R in the central garter and carrying the pattern name; MAZEPPE and pattern number: 5440. We date this piece to the William IV period of the earlier part of the 19th century, circa 1835.
 
Overall a very decorative hand painted English Ironstone Plate
 
Dimensions: 
Height: 1.1 in (2.8 cm)Diameter: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Condition: 
Some fine glaze crazing and slight pattern wear. NO damage and NO restoration.