Masons "Peacock" pattern depicts a pair of whimsically fierce peacocks squaring off for a spat in a garden scape, featuring vivid blossoms and a smart fretwork fence. The flat perspective and out-of-scale relationship of birds and florals reveal the far eastern origins of  Mason's design. 

Typical of the spontaneity always present in Mason's "Japan" patterns, decoration starts with daubs of blue--dark cobalt and a lighter shade--knit together by the decorator's brush. The lively quickness of these brushstrokes gives a comic quality to the alarmed birds; the prominent use of gilding adds flash to their state of arousal.

The center scene is composed of three vertical elements against the white ground--the pair of cocks flanked by two floral devices. The fence provides horizontal balance as well as additional definition of the garden setting. Contrasting patches of blue and white in the border recall the alternating reserves of many traditional border treatments; however, any hint of formality is dispelled by the lively band of deep red -- almost rust -- and peach blossoms that dominates the flange.

Looking at this mock confrontation of peacocks, one might wonder if someone in the Leyland household had innocently served Mr. Whistler a sandwich on such a plate, inspiring the caricature of the artist and patron of the "Peacock Room" as a pair of enraged glaring fowl.  

Also available in this pattern -- a lozenge shaped dessert dish (see final photo) and a three-piece soap dish.