Antique Mason's Ironstone Jug, C.1820-30, Japan(basket) pattern Ref.J.6
Mason's Ironstone was made by the English pottery of Charles J. Mason after 1813. Mason, of Lane Delph, was given a patent for this improved earthenware. Some experts believe the name ironstone came from the slag, but others think it came from the fact that the ware was as hard as iron. It was usually called Mason's Patent Ironstone China. It resisted chipping and breaking so it became popular for dinnerwares and other table service dishes. Vases and other decorative pieces were also made. The designs were based on Imari ware which was imported from China. Due to the imposition of a high import tariff on Chinese ceramics, local potters tried to copy them. They were transfer printed in blue, and then hand-coloured with red, blue, green enamel paints, usually by children between the ages of 7 to 11 years old.
One of the most popular items Mason's produced were his Jugs, and, especially,the octagonal shapes which had snake or tree handles. Other companies which copied Mason's designs were Turner, Spode, Hicks and Meigh, Ridgeway, Davenport, to mention a few.
The jug offered above stands 13.5cm high and has a diameter of 10.5cm and shows the Japan (or Basket) pattern which has always been one of the most popular designs with the collector. It remains in very good condition, and, apart from a very fine hairline in the handle, it shows no further chips, cracks or damage.Some of the green enamel on the handle has been restored, as, having a high content of arsenic,the green enamel was difficult to fire and consequently suffered from some flaking.
On the base of the jug, is the typical mark in black, used by Mason's between the years 1815-1830. Please take note of the large spaces between the letters. This mark is also found in blue
Because of the popularity of these jugs, a large number of imitation jugs from China,and marked with the Mason's stamp (usually in blue), have flooded the overseas market. The large 'spaces' between the letters (as shown in the original) are absent, and the letters are closer together. Many of these jugs are being sold as 'genuine' by unscrupulous dealers.Be wary when buying Mason's wares. An excellent website on Mason's Ironstone is http://www.janicepaull.com
Please note, I am NOT a qualified archaeologist/antiquarian and the description I have given is based on research of the subject.
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.
Price R880.00 Post R70.00
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