In a design so stark that its effect is almost surrealistic, three colorful feathers lie, as if they had just drifted down on a breeze, on a plain ground of pure white. The natural colors of the feathers are carefully captured in enamels hand painted over the transfer printed outlines.

Minton's "Naturalist" pattern, like the French pattern by Bracquemond from which it is derived, is based on Japanese print images placed randomly over the tableware. Here, however, designer W. S. Coleman calls to mind the British tradition of illustrations of natural specimens--like shells, insects, flowers, and--yes--feathers. In addition to his work for Minton and in book illustration, Coleman himself was active in this sort of naturalist documentation.

Given the abstract quality of its design, this plate would provide the perfect material for a game of "quess the time period."