Early Staffordshire 'Family and Mule' Dinner Plate c1820

A lovely medium to dark blue print by an unknown maker used on dinner wares. A woman leads a mule on which a boy is seated, accompanied by three other children (one piggy-back) and a dog. There is a small bridge over a stream which they have just crossed and impressive ruins in the background. The border consists of large flowers and leaves on a stippled ground alternating with scrolled sections on a darker ground with acanthus leaves. In good condition with signs of utensil marks in the well glaze, seen under close scrutiny but still displays beautifully. No chips, cracks or restoration. A fine example of this sought after pattern. Diameter 25.25cm (9.9in)