Compote, 8.5 x 4.75 inches. Black transfer with polychrome clobbering. Impressed mark for W. T. Copeland & Sons. Painted pattern number dates this pattern to 1876. This Japanesque pattern features three overlapping design elements. On top is a double-gourd vase with a ribbon tied around the narrow waist. The bottom of the vase features two waterfowl swimming in the water with purple irises growing on the left. The upper part of the vase features four songbirds in flight. Behind the vase is a Japanese hanging scroll (kakemono) decorated with geometric designs. Beneath the hanging scroll are coral-colored freesia and purple irises with flying insects. On the outside of the compote, the pattern continues with images of birds and plants. In addition to flying cranes or egrets, there are two compositions featuring scrolls/cartouches. The first features an unfurled hanging scroll decorated with songbirds superimposed over two geometric in-filled cartouches and a blooming wisteria vine with additional songbirds. The other features an unfurled fan-shaped cartouche decorated with another crane/egret superimposed over a pine branch.

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.