Extremely Rare Mason's Ironstone Tureen In Green Mandarin Pattern, C. 1815

An antique and exceptionally rare Mason's Patent Ironstone tureen with a domed lid, featuring the exquisite Green Mandarin pattern, created in 1815. The piece showcases a Chinese-inspired design with a traditional chinoiserie scene, meticulously hand-painted with fine details. A similar scene is repeated on the lid, inside the tureen, and along the interior rim.

The tureen is adorned with intricate floral and scroll motifs in green, pink, blue, and gold, complemented by rich cobalt blue handles shaped as rabbit heads and a wave-shaped finial. The underside bears the 'PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA' mark under a crown in black, while the same mark appears in red on the lid. The color of the mark varied depending on the final paint used in the factory.

Mason's is a renowned English pottery company with a long history of producing high-quality ceramics and china. Originally founded as Mason's Ironstone by Miles Mason in 1813, the company became famous for its transferware patterns—a technique in which a design is engraved onto a copper plate, inked, and then transferred onto the ceramic surface. This method allowed for intricate and highly detailed designs to be replicated efficiently.

Some of the most iconic Mason's patterns include "Mandarin," "Vista," and "Regency," often inspired by Chinese and Asian art. Over the years, the company produced a vast range of patterns, including limited-edition and collectible series, many of which had multiple color variations. The tureen offered here was among Mason's more expensive pieces at the time.

A similar tureen is displayed in the Victor Hugo Museum in Paris. Victor Hugo was known to use Mason's products frequently, and his personal diaries contain multiple references to the purchase of Mason's dishes, plates, and pots. On September 30, 1861, he noted the purchase of a "Masson-Chine service" by his maid Suzanne for 72 francs—equivalent to approximately 400–500 USD today (Source: Bibliothèque nationale de France. Départements des Manuscrits. NAF 13451. f. 48r).

Mason's products are exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide, and older, rarer pieces are highly sought after by collectors. For enthusiasts, Mason's china represents not only exceptional beauty and craftsmanship but also an important historical legacy in the world of English ceramics.

Dimensions:
Height: 14.5 cm
Width: 21 cm
Depth: 12 cm
Weight: 856 grams
Condition:
Small chip on the top rim (see photo).
Otherwise, excellent antique condition.
Please carefully examine the accompanying photographs, as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to assist you.

The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.