John Ridgway “Shiraz” Platter

Named for a city in Persia (modern Iran), this botanical pattern with a border featuring a boat in cartouches separated by floral elements was produced by the John Ridgway pottery. The pottery was in operation from 1830 to 1841 in Hanley, Staffordshire. The “Shiraz” pattern has been documented as printed in yellow and green (like this platter), yellow and brown, and pink and black. John Ridgway was from the third generation of his family to produce pottery in Staffordshire. Several more generations would follow, and the Ridgway name would remain in use for pottery made in the region until the 1960s.