Woodland patterns have long been popular in Europe, and Spode's 'Woodland' is a handsome example of this genre. The game animal and bird studies are perfectly framed by the border of stylized flowers dating from 1828. Josiah Spode's reputation was intitially secured in the 18th century by the perfection of underglaze printing on earthenware from hand-engraved copper plates. These designs have now become some of the most collectable and sought after in the history of ceramics.