Lady Violet played by Dame Maggie Smith presents flowers from Lord Merton to Mrs Crawley in a Chinese Bowl.  A closer look at the pattern on the bowl indicates a Chinese rose medallion Canton style pattern. Chinese decorative plates in a simlar pattern were used as set dressing in various locations on the Downton Abbey sets.

Similar bowls can be found on eBay at a range of prices. Click Here for a current selection of chinese bowls.   and HERE for Plates. In fact many of the Downton Abbey props were sourced on eBay according to Donal Woods, Production Designer.