This is an interesting stoneware plate by British artist and ceramicist Eric James Mellon (1925-2014). Eric James Mellon was a painter, printmaker and ceramicist, particularly known for his unique ceramic work. The ash glazes that he developed starting in 1965 allowed him to draw and paint on ceramic using a wide range of oxides underglaze and then fire the ceramics to high temperatures without loss of colour or brushwork.
This plate features a rather ghostly image of a horse in tones of red, brown and green. The underside rim is signed Eric James Mellon A/Elm Ash 1969. The technique and image is typical of his work at that time, however, the image is perhaps atypical. Mellon tended to draw nudes and mythological figures so this singular image of a horse is different although he did incorporate horses into some of his painted ceramic scenes and did do a horse head sculpture. The plate measures 9 1/2 in diameter and is in very good condition aside from a small edge chip (see last close-up photo) - this doesnt detract greatly from the display of the plate.
This is a wonderful piece of art pottery by a noted British artist and ceramicist - nice addition to a collection or just as a standalone display piece!