This lobed shaped porcelain dish originally would have been one of an array of fancy shape...

This lobed shaped porcelain dish originally would have been one of an array of fancy shaped dishes, compotes, tureens and individual plates making up a dessert service. The ornate pattern is Chamberlain's  #298. 

Pattern #298 is described as a "rich blue border of gold with ovals of India work."  Given the general lack of geographical knowledge, "India work" was a  term for any oriental decoration.  The color palette -- cobalt and scarlet with touches of lighter blue and green and generous amounts of gilt decoration --  certainly qualifies for this exotic description. 

A cobalt border serves as a ground setting off an elaborate gilt overlay of two different alternating patterns.  This elaborate filigree extends beyond the edges of the cobalt reflecting the profile of the dish. Six prominent ovals interrupt the border with large stylized florals executed in brilliant scarlet with touches of a rich, slightly lighter blue.  The center field is anchored by a simple, traditional floral spray, again in scarlet with lighter blue buds and green leaves.   

As England moved from an agrarian economy to one based on industry and commerce, a new cla...

As England moved from an agrarian economy to one based on industry and commerce, a new class of wealth emerged.  One of the ways this wealth was demonstrated was in more elaborate household rituals.  The concept of separate tea and dessert courses, in separate rooms, with separate services was one result of this new order.  Demand for new, richer and more complex services was created.  Cheerfully, British manufacturers met the challenge.    Chamberlain's 298 is an example of this phenomenon.  

Geoffrey Godden in  Chamberlain-Worcester Porcelain illustrates this pattern, dating it as early as 1803-1806. Godden notes that  tea wares other than lids were not usually marked prior to the 1820s.  We assume the lack of a mark on this dessert dish would indicate this early date range.