Amazoncom Englands oldest pottery company Spode enjoys a rich heritage and remains one of the most revered producers of ceramics due to its adherence to traditional techniques A few of these techniques were discovered by the companys founder Josiah Spode who is credited with developing the formula for fine bone china and for perfecting the printing of blue underglaze onto ceramic processes that have been adopted by numerous other dinnerware manufacturers The Tower Pink pattern is an original archived design from the early 1800s Referred to as transferware the elaborate pattern is engraved by hand onto copper plates and then transferred onto the ceramic by skilled artisans using pink underglaze which was perfected back in 1835 A color variation of the popular and original Tower Blue pattern Tower Pink depicts The Bridge of Salaro in Rome Italy in the center of this 10inch dinner plate The exquisitely landscaped scene comes from an original 1814 engraving A fantastic floral border shows influences from early Chinese porcelain designs and scalloped and ribbed edges form the classic Gadroon shape that enhances the plates beauty Made of highquality glazed earthenware this plate is delicate in appearance but has been updated to meet todays standards by being microwave and dishwashersafe Although durable enough for everyday use most will want to reserve this collectible pattern for display and special occasion dining Cristina Vaamonde