Doulton's "Kudos" pattern is disarmingly straightforward, a simple pond study complete with reeds, a water lily, a fish swimming to the surface and a couple of circling dragonflies. Pausing for a closer look, however, one notices the artist's masterful use of closely placed horizontal lines to create the impression of water.  Likewise the reeds and pond lily seem to have materialized with just a few brushstrokes.  Finally, noting the implied interaction between the rising fish and the hovering dragonflies, one gets the sense that the stillness is about to be broken by sudden quick action.

If the pond scene suggests the influence of Japanese prints, the border is more obvious in its inspiration with chrysanthemums, stylized peacocks and bands of Asian derived patterns.

How can one help but to fall in love with Doulton's "Kudos" pattern?  At once quiet and serene, it is also playful and whimsical.  Along with the Wedgwood "Fishes and Boys" pattern, and even Minton's fantastic "Aquarium," "Kudos" reflects an interest in underwater fantasy not present before.  This new interest also coincides with an increasing interest in children's book illustration with works such as Charles Kingsley's Water Babies.  All of these diverse strains are products of the general reform movement of which Japanism is a key component. 

A note on dating Doulton's "Kudos." We have not seen a piece of "Kudos" with a registry mark; however, we have seen several pieces with impressed date codes falling around 1885 through 1887.