Kioto

Plate, 8.875 inches diameter. Brown transfer. Printed maker's mark for Bates, Gildea & Walker. The registry diamond dates the pattern registration to 24 November 1880. The impressed "81" indicates a manufacture date of 1881. This pattern features a central medallion with an image of a kingfisher-like bird perched on a leafy stem with an Asian cloud form above bordered by three bands filled with geometric patterns. Around the medallion is a band consisting of a stem with flowers, buds, and leaves. The wide border consists of alternating panels. One panel features two cranes facing each other in water with cattails in between and water plants on either side. The other panel features an arching branch of the same flowers seen in the well paired with a stylized flowerhead a square cartouche filled with the Japanese seigaha (wave) pattern. A band of Japanese kumi kikko (interlocking hexagons) forms a slender border along the bottom of the panels.

In 1878 James Gildea joined the partnership of Bates & Walker. In 1881 Bates left the partnership and Gildea & Walker continued together. In 1885 James Gildea continued the business alone.