Samuel Alcock's "Commerce" pattern taps into the western fascination with the China trade.  Depictions of portside activities against Asian harbor scenery decorate each piece in the pattern. In this view, a European appears to be in deep discussion with a group of eastern merchants over several boxes of wares which have been delivered to the quay.  In the background, prominent temple architecture shares the scene with a junque and the distant masts of great western sailing ships.  

The pattern is finished with a border of floral clusters placed over a lacey ground of ferns and forget-me-nots.

Alcock's "Commerce" may not be an original creation.  The Phillips partnerships (1822-1834 and 1834-1848) offered a "Commerce" accompanied by a more politically motivated "Free Trade" notation. 

Seekers currently offers five plates in each of two different sizes--sold separately. Our final image allows a comparison of the two center scenes.