Chinoiserie Jug, pair

These small jugs, English, c. 1830–48, make striking vases, whether grouped as a centerpiece or used alone for a single bouquet. Octagonal in form with a hydra handle, each side is painted with a conversation group gathered by a tea house, bordered in burnt orange hydra scale along the sides and rim. Marked on the base in black with Mason’s Patent Ironstone China, swag banner, and crown.

These jugs were crafted by Mason’s, a family of notable Staffordshire potters who were the first to patent ironstone as a durable, more affordable alternative to porcelain. From 1800 well into the 1990s, Mason’s produced their beautifully decorated, hard, dense white earthenware china, eventually joining the Wedgwood Group.

Small jug measures approximately H 4.5in, W 4.5in, D 3.5in.

Large jug measures approximately H 6in, W 6in, D 5in.