Mason’s Patent Ironstone Plate, Indian Grasshopper, 1813-25

Pottery

 

A beautiful Mason’s Patent Ironstone multi-lobed plate with polychrome decoration in under-glaze shaded blues with touches of salmon colored reds. The pattern is "Indian Grasshopper." The plate comes from a fine Estate collection of Mason’s work and is in exceptional condition with minute paint loss; note the primitive rendition of the bug; size 9” D.

Charles James Mason registered his Patent Ironstone China trademark in 1813. Mr. Mason was an astute entrepreneur who had already been involved in the early 18th century porcelain import trade from China by the East India Company. When bulk imports basically stopped in the late 18th century, Mr. Mason turned his skills to the manufacture of ceramics in the “Chinese style.” Ironstone, a dense opaque, earthenware, lent itself well to decoration in under-glaze blues as well as the over-glaze enamels. Mason’s wares were an instant success and have remained highly desirable with collectors for almost 200 years. Their decorative patterns, many in a primitive Chinoiserie style, remain unsurpassed for their charm and earthy beauty.

Item ID: PS12-28-07-04