Pattern 412 Spode bone china Bute shape Tea Cup & Saucer, this design was introduced by Josiah Spode II c1802. This is a beautiful design using just shades of iron-red enamel & gilt which was hand-painted to produce a very pleasing effect similar to gingham ribbon.
During the mid 18th century gingham cotton cloth, which had been introduced to this country from Europe previously, was being produced in the mills of Manchester & was becoming extremely popular. It is well known that Georgian & Regency ladies loved to wear plaid, window pane & check type gowns so this Spode cup & saucer was really making a strong fashion statement in 1802!
Here is a link to a ladies costume of c1812 (ten years later) which reflects this love of vibrant colour & checks: 1812http://historicalfashion.tumblr.com/post/92383750677/silk-tartan-gown-scotland-at-fit-museum-1812
A couple of stray spots of cobalt have found their way on to the exterior of the cup
But otherwise this is a very nice, clean cup & saucer
And the saucer has a Spode decorator's mark on its base