An extremely rare pair of Mason''s Patent Ironstone China vases and covers, Staffordshire, England, circa 1830–1848, pattern number 1566.
The dating is based on the black transfer-printed Mason''s Patent Ironstone China crown mark with ribbon, a mark type associated with the circa 1830–1848 period.
These vases are not in a standard Mason''s form. They are made in a highly unusual square bottle shape, with square bases, tapering square bodies, narrow square necks and original square covers with gilt finials. This form is exceptionally difficult to find. We have found only very few comparable examples, which makes this pair much rarer than the usual Mason''s jugs, hydra jugs, baluster vases or covered jars.
The decorative quality is outstanding. The vases are decorated on a rich mazarine-blue ground, almost entirely overlaid with extremely fine gilt scale ornament. The gilding is not simply used as a border or a small highlight. It forms a complex decorative surface over the blu
...e ground and gives the vases the appearance of luxurious Oriental lacquer or richly woven textile.
The decoration is in the Oriental / Japanesque taste, with shaped reserves including fan-shaped, circular, rectangular and stepped panels. These contain birds, bamboo, waterfalls, landscapes, floral mon motifs and stylised natural subjects. The decoration combines transfer-printed design with hand colouring, enamelling and extensive hand-applied gilding. The fine gold work over the painted and enamelled surface is one of the strongest qualities of this pair.
Both vases are marked to the base with the black Mason''s Patent Ironstone China crown mark and the hand-painted pattern number 1566.
Dimensions:
• Height: 25 cm each
• Width of each side: approximately 10 cm
• Weight: 532 g and 460 g
Condition:
The first vase is in superb condition, with only very minor rubbing to the gilding on the top of the cover finial and around the neck rim. The colours, enamel and gilding are otherwise exceptionally fresh.
The second vase has restoration to the cover. This is visible from the inside of the cover, but is not very noticeable from the outside. The vase itself is in excellent condition, with very fresh colour, enamel and gilding. Checked under UV light, with no other problematic areas visible.
A highly decorative and very rare pair of early Mason''s Patent Ironstone China vases, in a form which is extremely difficult to find, with rich mazarine-blue ground decoration, fine hand gilding and pattern number 1566.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Internal Reference: B1803
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1224897
Dateline of this antique is Georgian
Height is 25cm (9.8inches)Width is 10cm (3.9inches)Depth is 10cm (3.9inches)
Your credit card is processed securely by Stripe Inc. 
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.