Mason's Patent Ironstone 'Regency' Pitcher, c.1937-1950

Story

Registered in 1937 under number 821349, this pattern was a 20th-century revival of the bold, 'Imari-inspired' styles that made Mason's famous in the 1800s. It was designed to bring the luxury of hand-painted porcelain to the everyday family table. This specific pitcher likely served as a water or milk jug in a bustling English kitchen.

Maker / Origin

Charles James Mason patented 'Ironstone China' in 1813, creating a material so durable it was marketed as a 'lifetime' alternative to fragile porcelain. The company became legendary for its 'Hydra' jugs and Chinoiserie designs, eventually becoming a symbol of British middle-class prestige.

Condition & Value

The pitcher shows significant 'crazing' (fine spiderweb lines in the glaze), which is typical for ironstone of this age and often desired by collectors for its antique look. There is some visible darkening/staining on the base and interior, which is common when porous ironstone absorbs liquids over decades.