Object Description
This is a superb large Ironstone Vegetable Tureen, complete with cover or lid , made by Mason’s of Lane Delph, Staffordshire, England, during the early part of the 19th century, circa 1820.
This tureen is well potted and is hexagonal in shape with a moulded flower head knob to the lid. This is a substantial piece of pottery weighing about 2Kg unpacked.
The pattern is called “Water Lily” and is a well known Mason’s pattern, as illustrated on pages 136 in The Mason’s collectors Club book ” A Guide to Mason’s patent Ironstone patterns, c 1813 to c 1848″ . This particular piece is the gilded version of the pattern and has heavily applied hand gilded highlights. Tureens of the same shape and period are illustrated on Pages 148 and 139 of Godden’s Guide to Mason’s China and the Ironstone Wares published by the Antique Collectors’ Club.
The pattern is beautifully hand painted over a printed pattern with bold enamels of Cobalt Blue, burnt orange, green, puce all in various shades with much additional hand gilding.
The pieces are unmarked as was often the case if the item had formed part of a large dinner or desert service. However they are definitely Mason’s dating to circa 1820, English, Late Georgian period.
This is a beautiful large and useful piece of Mason’s in one of the most sought after patterns.