The Haviland China Company was organized in 1840 by David Haviland, a New York china importer. It has been estimated that as many as 60,000 patterns were designed in addition to the many blanks that were hand-painted by outside decorators. This wonderful, early Haviland plate was indeed decorated by an individual or small studio separate from the Haviland Company. It is expertly executed with lavender flowers, perhaps thistles, gracefully formed green leaves and accented with other russet and golden wild grasses against a solid tan background and simple gold rim. The artist name is on the back - M.M.Taylor. The Haviland luncheon blank is wheat, plain shape, "H & Co." mark D, circa 1876 - 1886. The plate measures 8 3/8" across and has no cracks, chips or repairs. A super early piece that is beautifully decorated.