Mason's Ironstone Chinoiserie Dinner Plate

MASON'S IRONSTONE CHINOISERIE DINNER PLATE
Era: Mid-19th Century, circa 1860
Origin: Lane Delph, Staffordshire, England

OVERVIEW:
A substantial Mason's Ironstone dinner plate featuring their distinctive "Flying Bird" pattern, exemplifying the fine chinoiserie designs that made Mason's Ironstone famous during the Victorian period. This piece demonstrates the company's masterful combination of transfer-printing and hand-painted decoration.

SPECIFICATIONS:
• Diameter: 10.5 inches (26.67 cm)
• Material: Ironstone china
• Decoration: Transfer-printed and hand-painted
• Manufacturer: Mason's Ironstone
• Pattern: Flying Bird (documented in Mason's Collectors' Club guide)

DESIGN ELEMENTS:
• Central Motif:
- Hand-painted exotic bird in flight
- Flowering branches
- Oriental floral compositions
- Delicate scrollwork borders

• Color Palette:
- Cobalt blue accents
- Burnt orange details
- Vibrant greens
- Yellow highlights
- Rich red enamels
- Gold gilt trim

• Construction:
- Notched rim design
- Well-potted form
- Substantial ironstone body
- Fine glaze finish

MAKER'S MARKS:
• Blue printed crown and banner mark
• "MASONS" text above crown
• Impressed manufacturer's mark
• Period-appropriate backstamp

CONDITION:
Good Antique Condition
• No chips or cracks
• No restoration
• Some age-appropriate wear
• Original glaze intact
• Clear pattern detail
• Period patina

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
This plate represents Mason's premium production during their most successful period, featuring their popular chinoiserie patterns that combined English manufacturing with Asian-inspired designs.

Note: Display stand not included.