Plate, 8.3 inches diameter. Transfer print in black with polychrome clobbering. Chelsea shape. The mark is impressed COPELAND curved over the letter B, indicating the B (earthenware) body. Hand-painted "2/428" is the pattern number. The typical Copeland scroll on this scalloped plate is a giveaway as to the maker. The scroll features a shoot of bamboo and several flying birds, presumably, lovebirds. Two lovebirds are seated on a flowering gnarled tree branch, while two butterflies hover on the very edges of the plate.

W. T. Copeland was the only son of William Copeland, partner of Josiah Spode in the Stoke Potteries, of Staffordshire and of Portugal Street, London. He succeeded his father as head of the porcelain firm in Portugal Street, London and eventually bought out the interests of the Spode family in the business in the Potteries and London. He ran the business in partnership with Thomas Garrett between 1833 and 1847. After the dissolution of the Copeland and Garrett partnership, it traded as W. T. Copeland and Sons. (1847-1976). In 1866 Copeland was appointed china and glass manufacturer to the Prince of Wales.