Plate

This purple and white transfer-printed earthenware cup plate made by an unidentified Staffordshire firm features a pattern commonly known as "Shannon" consisting of a romantic scene with a river flowing by a castle and mountains in the distance. Although sometimes found with the title "Shannon" printed on the back, the pattern bears no relation to the Shannon River in Ireland and the source of the view remains unknown. The single letter "P" printed on the back of the present piece may refer to the Bristol firm of Pountney & Allies (1816–1835). Although the firm typically marked its wares with its full name or both of its initials, it marked some pieces with the single initial "P." Alternatively, the initial might refer to an unidentified importer of ceramics. Refer to the Dictionary for definitions of the terms "cup plate" and "transfer printing."