Plate, 9 inches diameter (21.1cm). Black transfer with polychrome clobbering. This pattern belongs to the 2/428 pattern series introduced in 1876. This pattern features a horizontal scroll decorated with a crane and songbird in flight with irises below. The scroll is laid over a branch of prunus blossoms. Three small insects, including a ladybug, are interspersed amongst the branches.

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.