Spode earthenware, rectangular, Serving Dish decorated with print P816 which was first introduced at Spode c1815. Again this design was a straight forward copy of an 18th century Chinese Export porcelain original. The three central stylised Chinese flowers appear to be perhaps a Lotus, a Lily & a Chrysanthemum? These are surrounded by four groups of similar flowers to form a border. This dish measures 12.3 x 9.3 inches or about 31 x 23.5 cms.
This is an outline engraving which was obviously designed to include surface enamel decoration to be added by Spode's/Henry Daniel's decorators. I am not sure whether this plain blue version has a Spode Pattern number, possibly not. The first enamel version of this design was printed in tones of iron red together with gilt in imitation of the Chinese 'Blood & Milk' designs & it was Spode's pattern 2486. This example is rare, as is 2487, 2492 & 2496.
Next up came pattern 2487 which was again 'Chinese Flowers' printed in green with the addition of red, yellow & orange but no gilt. A charming & lovely pattern which can be seen at Moorabool Antiques although sadly their example is showing a little wear, here: https://moorabool.com/product/spode-creamware-plate-chinese-flowers-pattern-no-2487-c-1820/
Spode's pattern 2492 is an all green version of this design, printed in green & with extra green enamel applied by hand. The Spode Exhibition Online site shows an all blue version again with extra blue added by hand but no mention of a pattern number. See an example here: http://www.spodeceramics.com/pottery/printed-designs/patterns/chinese-flowers-0
Spode's pattern 2496 looks remarkably similar to their 2486, & then there is pattern 2963 of which examples do turn up reasonably often. Pattern 2963 is printed in blue with the addition of polychrome enamels in rather strong dark shades. You can see a colour photograph of this Spode pattern on page 39 of Steven Smith's book, 'Spode & Copeland over Two Hundred Years of Fine China & Porcelain' 2005 edition.
The last version of Chinese Flowers that I am aware of, was Spode's Pattern 3535 (not including Copeland productions), which was much the same as their pattern 2963 apart from it was placed on a soft brown 'Parsley' sheet pattern ground.
Although the engraving for this Spode pattern was originally only intended for printing with the addition of hand enamel decoration at some point they must have thought, this is a popular design why not produce it in its basic form for a different/cheaper customer market. I must have cheap taste because I love it & I think it looks remarkably modern - blue & white is timeless!
The impressed mark on the base of this serving dish is 'SPODE' together with a potter's number, it has the distinctive serifs on the letter 'S' and this mark's use ranged between 1815 & the end of Spode ownership in 1833. I have seen several Spode dishes in this plain blue version as a collector of some years & invariably they never have a pattern number on their bases.
Referring to David Drakard & Paul Holdway's book, 'Spode Transfer Printed Ware 1784-1833 my 2002 edition 'Chinese Flowers' it says that this design was used for New Indented Dinner ware and earthenware tea services, but again no pattern number was given.