A variety of blossoms and leaves--flattened and stylized in a manner learned from contact with Chinese ceramics--constitute the elements employed in this densely patterned sauce tureen and stand. Floral motifs are featured in central medallions and in clusters that flank those medallions. While these flanking clusters all vary, they are arranged in a careful manner that maintains order and even suggests symmetry. The limited choice of colors, warm brown transfer printing highlighted by enamels in tones of red and rose contributes to the effect of unity in what might have been perceived as a busy pattern. Ochre highlights prevent that sense of unity from becoming monotony.

More stylized blossoms appear in the border against a field of tightly spaced spirals. This border was shared by other Chinese-inspired Spode patterns.

The Chinese influence on English ceramics is so pervasive that one tires of pointing it out. In this example, Spode gives us almost all the elements of its Chinese "ancester"--form, pattern, and color. All that is lacking is the translucency and characteristic "ping" of the porcelain original. No wonder Spode could successfully offer to make replacement or extension pieces for imported sets.