A minute filigree border traces the scalloped beaded edge of this plate encircling Job Meigh & Son's black transfer "Zoological Sketches" pattern. High style Roccoco bird and floral decorations contrast with a scientific study of the Ring Tail Lemur.

Job Meigh & Son's "Zoological Sketches", like the botanical services of the day, exemplifies the public's passion from the late 18th century onward for exploration and new scientific discoveries and their crossover into decorative applications.