The Story
This small, superb dish from Mason’s Ironstone is a fascinating curiosity for collectors of classic English pottery. Dating from the late Victorian to early Edwardian era, it features the iconic cobalt blue and white palette in an oriental-inspired design. What makes this particular piece "most unusual" is its sparse decoration; while most Mason's Imari-style pieces are densely packed with color and gold, this dish is centered on delicate transfer-printed flowers and scrolls, leading to speculation that it may be a rare "unfinished" piece or a specific minimalist variant.
The Details
Dimensions: 2.5cm H x 13cm Diameter.
Maker: Mason's (featuring the "Crown and Banner" backstamp).
Era: Circa 1891–1920.
Material: English Ironstone with hand-painted cobalt blue accents.
Condition: Very good antique condition. It shows light signs of use consistent with its age but is free of chips, nibbles, or surface crazing.
Why It’s Special
Mason's is the original patent-holder for "Ironstone China," a material designed to be as durable as it was beautiful. This dish features a scalloped edge and a thick blue-banded rim that perfectly frames the oriental motifs. Its unique, less-is-more aesthetic makes it a standout piece for those who love the traditional blue-and-white look but are looking for something slightly different from the standard heavily-patterned Chinoiserie.
Styling Tips
Trinket Tray: Its size and shallow depth make it an ideal dish for a bedside table or hallway console to hold rings, keys, or small treasures.
Blue & White Wall Gallery: Small dishes like this look incredible when wall-mounted as part of a larger blue-and-white plate collection. Its unusual central motif will add visual interest among more traditional patterns.
Refined Dining: Use it as a side dish for bread, butter, or even as a tea bag tidy. It pairs effortlessly with other blue and white ironstone like Johnson Bros or Spode.
Sustainable Shipping
100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.
The Story
This small, superb dish from Mason’s Ironstone is a fascinating curiosity for collectors of classic English pottery. Dating from the late Victorian to early Edwardian era, it features the iconic cobalt blue and white palette in an oriental-inspired design. What makes this particular piece "most unusual" is its sparse decoration; while most Mason's Imari-style pieces are densely packed with color and gold, this dish is centered on delicate transfer-printed flowers and scrolls, leading to speculation that it may be a rare "unfinished" piece or a specific minimalist variant.
The Details
Dimensions: 2.5cm H x 13cm Diameter.
Maker: Mason's (featuring the "Crown and Banner" backstamp).
Era: Circa 1891–1920.
Material: English Ironstone with hand-painted cobalt blue accents.
Condition: Very good antique condition. It shows light signs of use consistent with its age but is free of chips, nibbles, or surface crazing.
Why It’s Special
Mason's is the original patent-holder for "Ironstone China," a material designed to be as durable as it was beautiful. This dish features a scalloped edge and a thick blue-banded rim that perfectly frames the oriental motifs. Its unique, less-is-more aesthetic makes it a standout piece for those who love the traditional blue-and-white look but are looking for something slightly different from the standard heavily-patterned Chinoiserie.
Styling Tips
Trinket Tray: Its size and shallow depth make it an ideal dish for a bedside table or hallway console to hold rings, keys, or small treasures.
Blue & White Wall Gallery: Small dishes like this look incredible when wall-mounted as part of a larger blue-and-white plate collection. Its unusual central motif will add visual interest among more traditional patterns.
Refined Dining: Use it as a side dish for bread, butter, or even as a tea bag tidy. It pairs effortlessly with other blue and white ironstone like Johnson Bros or Spode.
Sustainable Shipping
100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.
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