On the luncheon plates in the Ralph Stevenson & Sons "Cologne" pattern, the meandering river starts in the foreground and winds almost vertically through the center of the view toward distant mountains.  Along the way, we are treated first to romantic natural woodland scenery, then an architectural complex a bit further on complete with walls and watchtowers. 

Two inner borders frame this center scene, filling the balance of the center of the plate.  The innermost pattern is a lacy grill-like confection fitted out with tassels and florets.  The pattern at the edge of the well is a denser arrangement of diamond shapes.  The main border around the flange is an alternating arrangement of floral and peacock feather reserves.  A final outermost stripe underscores the scalloped shape of both the plate and flange decoration.  

We have always puzzled over the unusual peacock feather motif in the border of "Cologne."  Does it really represent peacock feathers or is this some artist's representation of crisp decorative metalwork?  Whichever, it provides  Stevenson's "Cologne"an immediately identifiable element.