Antique English Mason’s Ironstone Jug/Pitcher

• England, circa 1820
• Dimensions: 5 1/4 inches height

Mason’s Ironstone Jugs/Pitchers are always a favorite with collectors, admirers, and enthusiasts of English Porcelain and Ironstone. These Jugs/Pitchers were used for a variety of liquids. The sizes can vary from the smallest being approximately 1 3/4 inches to as large as 13 inches in height. Ironstone Jugs/Pitchers were made in different colors and patterns and it is always nice to acquire interesting and colorful ones.

A fine and rare Antique English Ironstone Jug/Pitcher in the ‘School House’ pattern. The piece is profusely hand-decorated with bold enamels of cobalt blue, burnt orange, red, salmon, and green all in various different shades with a great deal of additional gilded detail. The pattern has a very vibrant network of gilt vines studded with oversize enamel blossoms which enhances the quality of this piece. This beautiful Jug/Pitcher which has free flowing hand enameled decoration and gilding is in pristine condition. It is unmarked at the base as is often the case with Mason’s pieces of this type and age. These are all characteristics of Mason’s earliest pieces.

The pattern is generally known as the ‘School House’ pattern but it is also listed in some books as the ‘Gay Japan’ pattern with the Mason’s Collectors Club listing it as the ‘Rose and Apple’ pattern.