Samuel Alcock's "Commerce" pattern taps into the western fascination with the China trade.

Samuel Alcock's "Commerce" pattern taps into the western fascination with the China trade.  Depictions of portside activities against Asian harbor scenery decorate each piece in the pattern. In this view, a European appears to be in deep discussion with a group of eastern merchants over several boxes of wares which have been delivered to the quay.  In the background, prominent temple architecture shares the scene with a junque and the distant masts of great western sailing ships.  

The pattern is finished with a border of floral clusters placed over a lacey ground of ferns and forget-me-nots.

Alcock's "Commerce" may not be an original creation.  The Phillips partnerships (1822...

Alcock's "Commerce" may not be an original creation.  The Phillips partnerships (1822-1834 and 1834-1848) offered a "Commerce" accompanied by a more politically motivated "Free Trade" notation. 

Seekers currently offers five plates in each of two different sizes--sold separately. Our final image allows a comparison of the two center scenes.