"Indian Tree" is one of the more enduringly popular Chinoiserie-inspired patterns produced across multiple English factories, and this Minton version keeps to the pattern's core elements: a central tree flanked by chrysanthemum blooms in blue, red and pink, with matching floral sprays repeated around the border. Despite the name, the pattern draws on a generalised idea of East Asian botanical design rather than any specific Indian source, a naming convention that turns up often in 19th century Chinoiserie ceramics without much regard for accuracy.
The scalloped, moulded rim carries its own separate decoration, a scrolling and shell design painted along the edge, giving the plates a bit of dimensional interest beyond the flat central painting. All six plates are marked underneath with impressed marks and the pattern number painted in red, "N. 9652," and a full set surviving together is a real advantage for anyone wanting to actually use them rather than display a single example.
Condition notes
Very good antique condition. Tiny chip to the underside of one plate; stress lines to the centre and reverse of one plate - there are high contrast photos to show these, as they are very faint; light scuffing to enamelling appropriate for age; few tiny nicks to glazing.
