Plate, 9.5 inches diameter. Brown transfer. Printed maker's mark for T. & R. Boote. This sheet pattern features a fretwork base with superimposed butterflies and sprigs of stylized flowers, fruits, and leaves in a Chinese style.

T. & R. Boote was founded in 1842 by Thomas Latham Boote and Richard Boote who rented the 3-bottle oven Central Pottery in Burslem. Later the business moved to the Kilncroft Works and then around 1850 took over the Waterloo Pottery from Thomas Edwards. At some time, Edward Barker and John Mare Harrison were partners in the business and they left the partnership in 1861. Thomas Latham Boote retired in September 1879 and the business was continued by Richard Boote with the help of the sons. In 1891 Richard Boote died. In 1894 the business became a limited liability company.