A Mason’s Patent Ironstone China Jug, C.J. Mason, Staffordshire, circa 1836
This Mason’s jug or creamer is of a Rococo Revival form, its three acanthus-moulded feet separated by a small moulded shell. Inspired by Far Eastern designs, the exotic floral printed pattern is additionally hand coloured in vibrant red, blue, green, orange and yellow. The pattern of trailing flowers, foliage and roots or branches continues on the double scroll-moulded handle with thumb rest. The moulded inner rim is outlined by hand with a border of trailing flowers and foliage.
PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA banner mark beneath an angular crown, printed in purple. This mark was used during the period 1830-48.
Dimensions: Height (to top of thumb rest) 10.8 cm.
Condition: At some point in its life, the handle has been off and reattached with a ‘make-do’ wire staple repair. This is fully stable and very much adds to the history and character of the piece. No other damage. From manufacture, there is a small firing crack to the inside base. The glaze has some crazing in places, typical of the period.
The Illustrated Guide to Mason’s Patent Ironstone China, Geoffrey A. Godden (Barrie & Jenkins, 1971).
A Cabinet of British Creamers, Michael Berthoud (Micawber Publications, 1999).
Ref. Although Berthoud illustrates two C.J. Mason creamers of this form, they both have four feet instead of three.
Price: £38.