Spode Early Indented shaped earthenware Dinner Plate printed with P812-1 'Peplow'; there were two versions of this pattern & this is the first one which was produced c1800-02. The second version was produced c1819-1820 in Spode's New Stone China & can be found with several different border designs using the same centre.
This plate is illustrated in David Drakard & Paul Holdway's book, 'Spode Transfer Printed Ware 1784-1833 and is described as a rare pattern.
This plate measures 9.5 inches or 24 cms which would be correct for this period. Pre-1800 plates were approximately 23 cms in diameter & by 1805 they had grown to be an average of 25 cms. When the size of the plates was increased many patterns had to be re-engraved to fit the larger size.
This is a direct copy of a Chinese Export plate of mid 18th century origin. I actually own a Chinese meat platter in this same pattern & it is very interesting to compare the two pieces side by side.
The design is a Chinese basket/vase filled with beautiful exotic flowers surrounded by a Nankin inner border. Four sprays of flowers are placed around the outer rim interspersed with four floral sprigs. The outer rim design was much used in Chinese Nanking Export porcelain & the design is known as 'Trellis & Scroll'.
You can see one of these plates illustrated on the excellent Spode Exhibition Online website, here is a link: http://www.spodeceramics.com/pottery/printed-designs/patterns/peplow-1
The edge on this Spode plate is cut in a sharper way rather than rounded and you can still see traces of the brown enamel which was applied.
The base of this plate has no foot rim and there are no manufacturer's marks.