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The formula for 'Ironstone China' was originally discovered by Miles Mason and his son, Charles, in 1813. Ironstone China was extremely strong, with a slightly greyish tint, and composed from flint, slag from the iron smelters, stone and clay. It was very successful and was soon copied by other potters or improved on. However, even with this success, Masons were declared bankrupt in 1848 and the patent plus the designs and molds, were bought by Morley and Ashworth in 1858. They continued to produce Ironstone China, the wares being colourful and boldly painted.
The plate above, measuring approximately 27cm in diameter and 3.5 cm high, shows the Coloured Willow or 'Chausan' design. This Chinese style pattern was produced with many variations by a number of potters. It can be linked to the famous 'Willow' pattern, also having two birds, Chinese buildings and a tree. Ashworth produced two variations of this pattern, the first being named B1365, the number can be seen painted in red on the reverse of the plate, and, at a later date, B9447.
The differences are slight but a great boost in determining the age of the plate. Although both are hand clobbered (meaning that, once the transfer had been made, the plates were enhanced with further painting), the first version shows a reddish-brown colouring around the whole of the circumference of the plate. The later version shows a green and brown colouring. Next, we find that there is no fence under the flowers at the end of the bridge, evident in the later version. The earlier version shows a small window in the centre building, this is replaced by a larger one in the later version. Lastly, the figure on the left of the bridge, shows three 'hairs' on his head, the later version, just two 'hairs'.
I believe these plates were produced earlier 1860's - the 'Royal Coat of Arms' makers mark, was introduced by Ashworth in 1862, but his name does not appear, only the words 'Ironstone China - patent' are seen.
Ashworth had bought the patent rights from Mason, and, this is possibly why the word, 'patent' is shown. This was dropped as more potters started to copy him. At a later date, the name 'Ashworth' is found impressed into the plate - this is missing in the above. And, lastly, Ashworth changed their mark in 1880, to show just a banner with the name 'Hanley' inscribed, surmounted by a crown and 'Ashworth Bros' above.
The above plate is is good condition, although some of the hand painted areas have been damaged by use. There are no chips or cracks seen.
Postage R45.00
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE. There are many articles being offered as 'antiques' when, clearly, they are not.
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