Georgian Derby Partridge Pattern Plate c1815, 20.5cm Imari Palette

This attractive Georgian-period plate is a fine example of early 19th‑century Derby porcelain, decorated in the much-admired “Partridge” pattern, circa 1815. Measuring approximately 20.5cm in diameter, it is a useful small dinner or dessert size and displays the rich Imari-inspired palette and intricate hand painting that collectors associate with Regency Derby.

The face of the plate features a bold central tree rising from a rocky mound, executed in deep cobalt blue with gilt touches and iron-red shading. Branches extend across the entire well and into the cavetto, laden with stylised blossom and small partridge‑eye “seed” motifs painted in iron red with fine blue outlining. Between the branches are further flowering plants, including tulip-like blooms and smaller prunus-style flowers in iron red and soft salmon, enriched with subtle green leaves. The design is busy yet balanced, creating a dense, almost textile-like surface pattern typical of the Partridge pattern at this date.

The palette is dominated by underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze iron-red enamels, with details in green and a restrained use of gilding, particularly along the tree trunk, rockwork and around selected blossoms. The rim edge is finished with a fine gilt line, now partially softened from age and use. The glaze is of typical early Derby quality: glossy with a slight bluish cast and showing an attractive network of age-related crazing, visible especially in raking light. This craquelure is consistent with period Derby production and adds to the plate’s antique character.

The back of the plate is glazed and bears a hand-painted Derby mark in red to the centre of the footrim area. The mark, a simple crowned device above script-like strokes, is in keeping with early 19th‑century Derby factory marks used during the late Georgian period, around the time of the Bloor management. There is also a small underglaze cobalt brush mark to the reverse, likely a painter’s or gilder’s tally mark, which is typical of authentic factory-decorated pieces.

Condition appears generally good for an item of around 200 years of age, based on the images provided. The glaze shows all-over crazing and there are a few small firing specks and minor kiln impurities to the reverse, characteristic of period manufacture. The enamel colours remain strong and vibrant, with only light surface wear visible to some of the high points of the design and to the gilt rim. No obvious major cracks or restoration are apparent in the photographs; however, as with all antique porcelain, close inspection under good light is recommended to confirm the presence or absence of any faint hairlines, small rim nicks or professional restoration. The footrim appears intact with the usual slight wear from contact with surfaces.

This plate is a desirable example for collectors of Georgian and Regency porcelain, Derby enthusiasts and those interested in the cross-cultural influence of Japanese Imari designs on English factories. The Partridge pattern is one of Derby’s classic early 19th‑century patterns, combining the exuberance of the Imari style with the refined body and glaze for which the factory is renowned. Displayed on its own, as part of a plate wall, or integrated into a small dessert or cabinet service, it offers both decorative impact and historical interest.

Given its size, date and decoration, this piece would sit comfortably within a collection of early Derby or alongside contemporary wares from Worcester, Spode or Coalport in related Imari palettes. Its vivid colours, strong central tree motif and fully decorated surface make it a particularly striking example of the pattern, representative of the sophistication of English porcelain design in the years around 1815.