A circular panel presenting a proud pheasant emerging from a bamboo grove is set against a vertical panel -- in negative light-against-dark -- featuring iris. Behind these, flowering branches of magnolia fill the platter's well. More floral sprays are featured in the border, alternating with fretwork panels.

A brief description fails to capture the complexity of Minton's "Faisan" pattern. Likewise no description can capture the effect of the clever use of enamel highlights -- used by Minton to create numerous variations on the pattern. This small  black-transfer printed platter features a particularly snappy combination of bright blue and yellow with a red edge, all contrasting with pastel pink floral touches.

Just how may Japanese style elements are combined in Minton's "Faisan"? Here goes:  the asymmetrical arrangement, the juxtaposition of pictures presented "scrapbook-style," sprays of bamboo and different flowering plants, panels of fretwork, flat rock motifs, and of course the exotic bird... We have probably missed a few. Certainly one of the classic aesthetic patterns.