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Production: C. J. Mason & Co.
Granite china (stone china), transfer-printed, painted in polychrome enamels, and gilt.
History note: G.E. Pritchett, FSA , FRIBA (1842-1912), Oak Hall, Chantry Road, Bishops Stortford; his posthumous sale, 9 July 1912; purchased for £16 16s. 0d. by Mr G.R. Piper of Bishops Stortford on behalf of Dr J.W.L. Glaisher, FRS, Trinity College, Cambridge
Dr J. W. L. Glaisher Bequest
Height: 122 cm
Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1928-12-07) by Glaisher, J. W. L., Dr
19th Century, second quarter#
Circa
1826
CE
-
Circa
1845
CE
Mason's 'Ironstone' (sometimes referred to by the firm as 'granite china', quickly became fashionable and maintained its popularity despite competition from stone chinas introduced by Spode, Davenport and other manufacturers. Its strength made it particularly suitable for dinner services, jugs, and large ornamental wares, a high proportion of which were decorated with brightly coloured 'Japan' (Imari style) or other Oriental patterns. Unfortunately mass production sometimes resulted in poor workmanship and this must have contributed to Mason's downfall. A close look at this immense hall or alcove vase reveals that the enamelling was applied rather carelessly. Nevertheless it is an eye-catching and rare survivor of the nineteenth-century taste for large ostantatious ceramics.
Stone china was more durable than creamware or pearlware and closer to Oriental porcelain in appearance, although not translucent. The first patent for such a body was taken out by John and William Turner in 1800. Another patent, for what became known as 'Ironstone China' was granted to Charles James Mason (1791-1856) in 1813. In that year he and his two brothers purchased the Fenton Stone Works, whjich is illustrated in the mark on this vase. Mason remained there until 1848 when he was declared bankrupt, sold the works, and moved to the Daisy Bank Pottery in Longton. He recovered sufficiently to exhibit at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and finally retired from business in 1853.
Decoration composed of ceramic printing colour enamel gold
a form of stone china Granite china
Inscription present: the o of Co is raised
Accession number: C.1280 & A-1928
Primary reference Number: 71717
Old object number: 3529
Stable URI
Owner or interested party:
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department:
Applied Arts
This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:
The Fitzwilliam Museum (2024) "Vase" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/71717 Accessed: 2024-12-22 18:15:13
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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/71717
|title=Vase
|author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2024-12-22 18:15:13|publisher=The
University of Cambridge}}
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<div class="text-center">
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<img src="https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/imagestore/aa/aa6/C_1280_1928_281_29.jpg"
alt="Vase"
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<figcaption class="figure-caption text-info">Vase</figcaption>
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