Wedgwood's "Panama" pattern is a complex arrangement of japanesque ground patterns and borders interspersed with floral sprays and blocks of fruit and greenery reminiscent of a William Morris wallpaper pattern. The pattern turns on a central study of a bird perched on an exotic flowering branch. Following the fashion of the day, this study is presented on a vertical  panel which cuts across a circular patchwork of ground patterns and floral reserves.

Wedgwood executed this pattern in various color combinations. This especially striking  version combines a subtle cocoa brown transfer with an off-white body. The panel of bird and blossoms is highlighted in aqua, emerald, ochre and deep red enamels.   The brilliance of this version however lies in Wedgwood's use of slightly contrasting ochre enamel and lustre highlighting.  Floral details are carefully picked out in pale ochre enamel and red with spots of green among the foliage. Japanese fretwork patterns are all solidly washed in a rich ochre lustre.  Finally the red enamel is used to finish the plate with a solid band around the edge. 

Wedgwood's ":Panama" pattern represents one of Wedgwood's appeals to the taste for the Japanese style.  Markings on this piece however testify that, like Wedgwood's "Marigold" pattern, production of the design continued well beyond the aesthetic period into the twentieth century. 

We have owned "Panama" in four or five color variations. The contrasting pastels of the bird's plumage, the repeated use of ochre tones, and the scattered spots of vivid red combine to create a bright freshness of a sort characteristic of the best Anglo-Japanese designs.

Our final photo shows other forms and color variations of "Panama" currently in Seekers' inventory.