Three Japanese fans in taupe and yellow radiate in a wheel pattern against a plain white ground on these Wedgwood dessert plates. The pattern is unified by a band of prunus sprigs that burst into bloom--and attract small butterflies--in the white sections. The raised pleats of the fans create an interesting zig-zag effect at the border.

"Argenta" is the trade name Wedgwood gave to more delicately colored majolica wares, usually on a white ground. The use of pale taupe tones gave the pieces a shimmery, silvery quality unique to Wedgwood. The Argenta color range was often used with Japanese inspired patterns to appeal to the artistic adherents of the Aesthetic Movement.