Rare Masons Ironstone Lidded Alcove large Vase with applied dragons, Circa 1825

The vase is well potted with a tapering hexagonal form on a raised pedastal foot.

This vase has a number of features that make it special;
1) Large Size measuring 24.5 inches high (62.4cm)
2) The three applied dragons: two either side at the shoulder acting as handles and one to the top of the lid.
3) The distinctive bold decoration and intricate hand painting.

The decoration is Chinoiserie throughout, with the moulded dragons set against a turquoise ground color with many scrolls that could depict clouds with some scattered flower heads. The main body has six panels depicting various different Chinese scenes of people and landscapes, two large to the front and back and two smaller panels to either side. The foot and neck are enamelled in a deep mazarine blue with gold hand gilded floral detail, the upper rim also having a hand gilded finish. The lid is circular with a gilded mazarine ground colour having a dragon atop.

This is a rare item about 200 years old and one of Mason’s highly decorative and distinctive pieces which are so difficult to find today.

 
The piece is unmarked but definitely made by Mason’s Ironstone.

References:
A) Very similar piece in Plate 115 of the book Mason’s Porcelain & ironstone 1796-1835 by Reginald Hagar & Elizabeth Adams published by Faber & Faber
B) Similar large vases with applied moulded dragons on page 209 of the book Mason’s China & the Ironstone Wares by Geoffrey Godden published by the Antique Collectors’ Club.