This gorgeous early Imari Pattern is marked WEDGWOOD only, (with the early numeral 44 impressed), and is almost identical to the Japonaiserie pattern shown in Robin Reilly's "Wedgwood Dictionary" on page 166, color plate 54. Unlike the popular "Chrysanthemum" pattern of the same period, this pattern is heavily gilded and was more costly to produce. The plate is Wedgwood's special "White Ware" body, according to eminent Wedgwood specialist, Earl L. Buckman. This plate dates c 1815. The plate's diameter is 8-1/4". It is in excellent condition. There are no chips, no cracks, no repairs. There aren't any utensil marks, and there is wear only to the gilding on the edge and to the 4 "feathery" motifs around the central design. There is crazing which is most noticeable on the back. The pattern is very similar to Coalport's "Crab Claw" pattern.