Powell, Bishop and Stonier's simple "Mikado" pattern playfully dances across the cream colored earthenware body of this ice cream tray and twelve  individual dishes.   The black transfer pattern combines scattered sprays of prunus with random Japanese ornaments -- stylized chrysanthemums and multi-shape reserves packed with dense Japanese ground patterns.  Pink, blue, red and yellow highlights enhance the motifs, and gilt pin striping finishes each piece.  

Additional flair is achieved with the molded scallop profile at each end of the tray as well as the individual dishes.  

In the latter nineteenth century ice cream was generally available, but still possessed considerable mystique. For instance, ice cream sodas were considered too sinfully indulgent to be consumed on the Sabbath. In this era of specialized table services and utensils, it is no surprise that we find sets dedicated to the serving of the frozen treat. An intact set, however, does command attention.

Most frequently sets are found in earthenware or majolica. We don't recall encountering an ice cream set in the more expensive and formal porcelain body. The imaginative shapes of majolica sets and the scallop forms characteristic of earthenware examples convey a lighthearted tone totally appropriate to the function.