Antique Iris Salad Plate

The Iris flower has been used for centuries (dating back to the Egyptians) as a symbol. In fact, a fleur-de-lis is actually a stylized iris and while many royal houses of Europe (including Hungarian kings) have used it, it was the French who popularized it by incorporating it into their flags and crests. For them, the three petals of the iris (or fleur-de-lis) signified faith, wisdom and valor. Hand painted porcelain from Herend.