Wedgwood looks to exotic oriental sources for their inspiration in this rack plate. The br...

Wedgwood looks to exotic oriental sources for their inspiration in this rack plate. The brown transfer is highlighted with an unusual combination of enamels in aqua, rust, peach and green. The stylized wheel pattern consists of complex Chinese inspired floral panels alternating with "spokes" decorated in a primitive woodblock-like vine pattern. A stylized combination of the florals is used to create the center medallion. The green band outer border is created with a simple woodblock inspired circled-star pattern. Aqua enamel finishes the rim.

This pattern is related to Wedgwood's more common "Indian" and "Marigold" patterns as well...

This pattern is related to Wedgwood's more common "Indian" and "Marigold" patterns as well as examples by Minton. All of them seem relate to the period's interest in exotic foreign patterns best illustrated by the collections compiled by scholar/designer Owen Jones.

"Rack" plates refer to dishes intended for display rather than food service. They would be displayed on plate rails, hanging plate racks or on sideboards. Wedgwood was a leader in the production of such wares.