Worcester's magnificent, Japanese Imari inspired "Old Mosaic" pattern decorates this scalloped soft paste porcelain dessert plate. 

In this pattern, eight Imari style panels, accompanied by three asymmetrically placed circular crests, are laid out in a radial pattern. The open space left in the center displays a wreath of prunus framed in a heavy scarlet band with gilt chrysanthemum and vine details. Four of the panels are cobalt, either blue and white or blue and gilt. The four contrasting white ground panels carry floral or diaper patterns in red, yellow, green, puce and turquoise with touches of gilt.

The molded scalloped edge is underscored by gilt detailing.  Finally, Worcester finishes the piece with three floral sprays on the underside of the rim executed in underglaze blue with red enamel, plus two pinstripes around the foot and even a pair of circular bands around the mark inside the table ring.

Simon Spero and John Sandon in Worcester Porcelain 1751-1790, The Zorensky Collection (p. 236, 238) note that Worcester created several patterns based on Japanese Imari designs. Early on, English consumers, notably the country house set, had developed a taste for such wares, but the Japanese had cut off export in 1745. Worcester's copies competed with those by Chinese potters to satisfy this demand.

Whatever the rationale for its development, in "Old Mosaic" Worcester certainly achieved a product that stands up to any comparison.