This early 19th century ten piece dessert service was made by John Ridgways, circa 1802. It consists of 8 dessert plates measuring 8 1/2" in diameter with interesting rectangular pierced borders on a blue ground and 2 matching footed low compotes. The shaped rim borders are all trimmed in gold with a black transfer floral decoration and the central subject, depicting scenes from Mesopotamia is framed in a rectangle, also outlined with gold. The molded and relief plate with all-over blue glaze creates a dramatic contrast to the contrasting "ink black" of the superb engravings. The two compotes measure 10.25" x 2.5" high.