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Vase: C.1280 & A-1928

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Object information

Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Production: C. J. Mason & Co.

Entities

Categories

Description

Granite china (stone china), transfer-printed, painted in polychrome enamels, and gilt.

Notes

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

Legal notes

Dr J. W. L. Glaisher Bequest

Measurements and weight

Height: 122 cm

Place(s) associated

  • Fenton ⪼ Staffordshire ⪼ England

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1928-12-07) by Glaisher, J. W. L., Dr

Dating

19th Century, second quarter#
Circa 1826 CE - Circa 1845 CE

Note

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.

School or Style

Oriental style

People, subjects and objects depicted

Components of the work

Decoration composed of ceramic printing colour enamel gold

Materials used in production

a form of stone china Granite china

Techniques used in production

Moulding

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: the o of Co is raised

  • Text: a view of the factory with below within a wreath, 'FENTON/STONE WORKS/C.J.M. & Co and outside the wreath, STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES GRANITE CHINA
  • Method of creation: Inside cover and on base of base
  • Type: Factory mark

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: C.1280 & A-1928
Primary reference Number: 71717
Old object number: 3529
Stable URI

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Friday 15 December 2023 Last processed: Friday 15 December 2023

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Applied Arts

Citation for print

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: 2024-11-22 01:25:34

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/71717 |title=Vase |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2024-11-22 01:25:34|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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