In the middle of the 19th century, Japan started trading again with the West. At this time, all Japanese decoration started to become fashionable. One of our leading china companies, Crown Derby, introduced a design called Imari, this proved to be very popular and almost every Staffordshire pottery manufacturer produced thier version of the Imari design.
 
This serving dish was part of a large service, and sported the popular Imari design in reds and blues. It would probably be used for serving bread or cakes. It would have belonged to a relatively wealthy household.
 
Condition is good apart from a small chip only showing on the back of the plate.