This is a harlequin set of six Mason's ironstone dinner plates, all dating to the earliest period between 1813 and 1820.
 
All the plates are the same nominal size and shape, but have different patterns, some being rare;
 
Top row left: Japan Basket
Top row middle: Blue Carnation - gilded
Top row right: Chinese Ladies with Cranes
Bottom row left: Small Vase, Flowers & Rocks - gilded
Bottom row middle: Chinese Scroll people pattern
Bottom row right: School House
 
All patterns are fully documented and listed in: A guide to Mason's Patent ironstone patterns, circa 1813 to 1848, published by The Mason's Collectors' Club.
 
All plates have typical bold hand-painted detail, some with gilding.
 
All Dinner Plates are fully marked with the impressed "MASONS PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA" in a single line or a circle, together with the large crown printed mark on one plate