Medium size covered dishes, generally referred to as "muffin dishes," are found throughout 19th century tableware offerings. This example, executed by Spode in its stone china body is decorated in the classic Pattern 2061, "Cabbage."  Inspiration for the pattern derives from the highly coveted Chinese wares found in the homes of the English aristocracy.  Taking advantage of similarities of their slightly gray-blue tinted body to Chinese goods,  Spode's "Cabbage" design emulates the mysterious floral designs found on oriental wares both in terms of subject and asymmetrical arrangement.  

The light blue transfer pattern is designed around a prominent, heavily textured leaf – nicknamed “Cabbage” among the Staffordshire workmen.  This leaf is surrounded by a cluster of additional leaves and blossoms, printed in blue and painted.  A tight band finishes the edges of both lid and base.  From this band, sprigs of gnarled vine softened by additional blossoms extend into the design.  Primary enamel highlights are executed in a rich, deep red while smaller floral details are painted in both rust and pink with green leaves.  Gilt is used generously throughout for both additional detail and outline and to accentuate the perky ball knop.   

In his 1970 work, Spode, A History Of The Family, Factory And Wares From 1733 To 1833 (p.191,194, 223), Leonard Whiter includes a discussion of Spode's stone china, noting that the body was introduced between 1813 and 1814. Our mark is a variation of an imitation Chinese seal mark in common use by early Staffordshire potters. In time, Spode added its name inscribed in a "tablet," with "Stone China" below. The C. 1815 mark seen here eliminates the top portion of the seal. David Drakard and Paul Holdway, Spode Printed Ware, (P..211) question whether the mark was discontinued with the introduction of Spode's New Stone body in 1822 or continued until the transfer of ownership to Copeland and Garrett in 1833. 

While among Spode's earliest stone china offerings, "Cabbage," along with the third version of "Peacock" (No. 2118),  was among Spode's longest running patterns.  "Peacock" remained in production until 1963; "Cabbage" was still in production as late as 1970.  Leonard Whiter further reports that, unlike many patterns, "Cabbage" was made without design alterations at least through the transfer of ownership to Copeland and Garrett in 1833. (By contrast, seventeen variations of "Peacock" were introduced in the same period.)

Additional "Cabbage" pattern pieces  available through Seekers are shown in the final photo.