Rare Mason Ironstone Vases, Circa 1830

This set of iron china vases was made by Mason's Ironstone of Lane Delph, Staffordshire, England, around 1830. The vases are quite rare in shape, with hexagonal bodies resting on pedestal legs with flared edges and two thin side handles in a loop ending in mask heads on either side of the collar. The main central sections of the vases feature two different Chinoiserie influenced designs on opposite sides, surrounded by very colorful Imari style designs, all vividly hand painted with typical and bold glazes of different colors. The vases also feature very beautiful hand-gilded details. The bases bear a round crown mark printed by Mason's, which helps date these pieces to around 1830. The designs are all illustrated in the book "A Guide to Mason's Patent Ironstone Patterns", published by Mason's Collectors' Club. Overall, these are rare, decorative ironstone vases from Mason's, dating back almost 200 years. Mason's is a renowned English pottery company with a long history of producing high quality porcelain and ceramics. The company, originally known as "Mason's Ironstone", was founded by Miles Mason in 1813. Mason was a Staffordshire pottery merchant who played a vital role in the development and popularization of ironstone. iron, a type of ceramic known for its durability and affordability. Many of Mason's porcelain designs are well collected and retain their characteristic rich colors. Mason's is particularly famous for its transferware designs, a technique that involves etching a design onto a copper plate, inking it, then transferring it to the ceramic surface. This process makes it possible to efficiently reproduce complex and detailed patterns. Mason's is famous for its skillful use of transfer printing to create elaborate and colorful designs. Many of its motifs represent scenes, landscapes and floral motifs, often inspired by Chinese and Asian art, very fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries. The company has produced a wide range of designs over the years, including some limited edition and collectible series. Each pattern often featured multiple color variations, which added to the diversity of the offering. Mason's china, especially the older and rarer pieces, is highly sought after by collectors. Mason's china is found in antique stores, auctions, and online marketplaces, and its value varies depending on factors such as rarity, age, and condition. Dimensions: First vase: Height 23.5 cm, width 15.5 cm, depth 13 cm, weight 770 grams. Second vase: Height 24.2 cm, width 15.5 cm, depth 13 cm, weight 889 grams. State of conservation: Slight loss of gilding on the handles, consistent with age. Otherwise, excellent state of conservation. Please study the photographs accompanying the item carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. Item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.