The earliest record of Buttercup is a hand-painted design with the number 1/4265 on bone china in 1885. It is thought to have been designed by Francis Xavier Abrahams, who worked at Copelands between 1882 and c1902 and was for a short time Art Director. Following the engraving of a copper plate for printing, Buttercup appeared in much its popular form on earthenware with pattern number 2/4187 in 1894 and on the Chelsea Wicker shape.

A differently coloured version appeared as pattern 2/4191 and was known as Mandalay. This was in reds and browns and was marketed in USA before 1939. However the best known version with pattern number 2/7873 was first recorded in 1924 and remained in production until 1992.

In 2000 the pattern was reintroduced on Chelsea Wicker shape.

Further reading: Spode and Copeland Marks and Other Relevant Intelligence by Robert Copeland, published by Studio Vista. ISBN 0-289-80069-2