SOLD Antique Mason's (Ashworth Bros.) Ironstone Cake Plate, Purple Transferware, Romantic Ruins, ca. 1900

Pottery : England : Ashworth & Mason's

 

This vibrant and richly colored, polychrome cake plate (or bread & butter plate) features a finely detailed transfer of robed figures in the midst of overgrown ruins of marble vaults, arches and columns, perhaps in Rome - in the distance is a structure which seems to be the Pantheon. As this is a romanticized scene, it is unclear whether the ruins are meant to show the remains of a massive bath complex or a Gothic church (which adapted much from Roman architectural forms). The deep purple transfer has added tints of grass green to the shrubbery and trees and yellow on some of the structures. Additionally there is an overglaze of bright, hand enameled coloring to flowers and handles - cobalt, tangerine, brick-red, lime green, and yellow. Such a wonderful display piece!

The plate measures 10 1/2" across handles and is 8 3/4" square in serving area. It carries the Mason's ribbon crown and banner mark with 'Patent Ironstone China' inside banner and 'England' below, as well as an impressed 'A2H. This mark which was used after 1820 (when the company was still in the Mason family) was also applied by Ashworth Bros. when bought the firm ca. 1860. The inclusion of 'England' dates the plate to 1891-1921, with this plate dating to the early side of that range. It is in very good condition, with no chips, cracks or hairlines, but has two tiny nicks in the enamel glaze of the two red circles on the left handle and a beige discoloration (ca. 1/2") in lower righthand corner area. There is finely meshed, overall crazing which is typical for this item's fabric and age. I can find no utensil marks or scratches in the glaze. Thanks very much for looking around in my shop!

Item ID: RL2659

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