This is a rare shape jug or pitcher made by Mason's Ironstone pottery in the Bandana pattern and made for the 1851 Exhibition, as supported by the printed mark on the base. The jug is elegantly potted with a tapering octagonal form, having a loop handle and pouring spout.
 
The jug or pitcher is well decorated with the chinoiserie influenced "BANDANA" pattern, showing Foo or Lion Dogs among clouds, all in bold colorful enamels, so typical of the Masons palette. Enamel colours include burnt orange, puce, green, black and yellow all set against a beige ground colour. A similar jug of the same shape is illustrated in Godden's Guide to Mason's China and the Ironstone Wares, published by the Antique Collectors Club, see Colour Plate 40, page 169.
 
The jug is fully marked to the underside with the under-glazed special Great exhibition mark of 1851 with MASONS BANDANA WARE printed in black to the base. This mark is illustrated on page 125 of the book: Mason's The first Two Hundred Years by Gaye Blake Roberts.
 
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GREAT EXHIBITION , London 1851 The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, also known as the Great Exhibition or the Crystal Palace Exhibition, was an international exhibition that took place in Hyde Park, London, from 1 May to 15 October 1851. It was the first in a series of world fairs, exhibitions of culture and industry that became popular in the 19th century. The event was organised by Henry Cole and Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. The British exhibits at the Great Exhibition held the lead in almost every field where strength, durability, utility and quality were concerned, whether in ceramics, metals, glass, machinery or textiles.
 
Dimensions: 
Height: 7.2 in (18.29 cm)Width: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Depth: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)
Condition: 
GoodWear consistent with age and use. NO Chips, NO Restoration. There is a feint star hairline to the glaze of the base. There is wear to the pattern and the glaze with some discoloration to the inside Please see images.