Plate, 8.3 inches diameter (21.1cm). Black transfer with polychrome clobbering and gilding. Impressed maker's mark for Copeland and an impressed datemark for January 1886. Although missing a painted pattern number, this pattern belongs to the 2/428 pattern series introduced in 1876. This particular pattern features a large circular cartouche with two cranes in flight superimposed over bamboo stalks and a kakemono (Japanese vertical hanging scroll) decorated with foliage, clouds, and a linked star pattern.

W. T. Copeland was the only son of William Copeland, partner of Josiah Spode in the Stoke Potteries, of Staffordshire and of Portugal Street, London. He succeeded his father as head of the porcelain firm in Portugal Street, London and eventually bought out the interests of the Spode family in the business in the Potteries and London. He ran the business in partnership with Thomas Garrett between 1833 and 1847. After the dissolution of the Copeland and Garrett partnership, it traded as W. T. Copeland and Sons. (1847-1976). In 1866 Copeland was appointed china and glass manufacturer to the Prince of Wales.