This is a rare miniature Mason's ironstone Bowl, decorated in a beautiful hand painted floral gilded pattern, which we date to circa 1820. Miniature or toy items of Masons ironstone are very hard to find today.
This piece is well potted as a bowl on a low foot, with an everted rim and two side loop handles.
The pattern is all hand painted in one of Mason's floral sprays or posies patterns, with many different coloured enamels and gilt highlighting to some of the flowers and leaves. The side handles and rims are also hand gilded. Similar miniature pieces are shown on page 's 165 and 180 of Godden's Guide to Mason's China and the Ironstone Wares, published by the Mason's collectors club. The piece is marked to the base with one of Mason's very rare marks, which shows the Royal Coat of Arms printed in black, which was only used during the very early period of Mason's ironstone production, Ca 1815 to 1825. Masons Ironstone started in 1813. This mark is illustrated on page 124 of the book; Mason's The First Two Hundred Years, by Gaye Blake Roberts who was curator of The Wedgwood Museum.
Overall a beautiful rare piece for the collectors cabinet.
Dimensions:
Height: 1.65 in (4.2 cm)Width: 2.85 in (7.24 cm)Depth: 2.4 in (6.1 cm)
Condition:
Two Hairline cracks to body. Otherwise very good antique condition. Enamels & gilding bold & bright.