Worcester's hand painted "Dragon in Compartments" pattern is derived directly from an early eighteenth century Kangxi period pattern in the famille verte palette. The design features four petal shape compartments arranged around a central chrysanthemum blossom.  Two of the compartments feature floral devices.  The other two contain mythical beasts; a fire-breathing dragon and a kylin, a fierce looking, but benevolent guardian. 

Worcester first offered the pattern in tea and dessert wares.  These plates would likely have been part of a dessert service, which would have included ornately shaped serving dishes, compotes and sauce tureens. 

The pattern is executed in a rainbow color palate including bright red, blue and yellow, as well as a pastel pink and cool mint green.  In our experience, this last color is especially important.  Later versions of "Dragon in Compartment" employ a more brilliant yellow-green. 

Simon Spero and John Sandon in Worcester Porcelain, 1751-1790, The Zorensky Collection (1996; Nos. 197, 198) note that the pattern was introduced at Worcester around 1768 and stayed in production until around 1775.  Around 1788, it was reintroduced by Chamberlains as pattern number 75 and shortly after by the Flight Worcester management, where it remained a favorite into the 19th century.  Early in the 19th century, Coalport and other manufacturers started offering their own versions of the pattern.

The "Dragon in Compartments" pattern is also known among collectors as "Bengal Tiger" and "Kylin."