An exaggerated baluster shape with high flaring shoulder and narrow foot presented a difficult task  to decorators whose job it was to adapt Masons "Double Landscape" pattern. The result demonstrates how well they rose to the challenge. The juxtaposed framed landscape scenes are presented on a large scale, stretching across the broad shoulder and--with the help of some skillfully made seams--taper downward while maintaining the integrity and charm of the Asian scenes. The cobalt ground is enriched with a swirling filigree in ochre enamel which even contains a chrysanthemum blossom or two.

The pale yellow ribbon of oriental pattern that separates the neck and body emphasizes the undulations of the shape. The space above is divided into border panels of cobalt and brilliant scarlet border panels with more ochre enamel enrichment and additional floral touches. Inside the neck a narrow border of green ground pattern with red floral blocks, that does not appear elsewhere in the design, provides a finishing surprise. 

The shape is unusual; we have only encountered one prior example (in "Yellow Scale"). Even the serpent handle differs from Mason's norm for the mythical reptiles. Is that a bird's head?

Fenton Stone Works was the name of the pottery facility acquired by the Masons and occupied after 1815. While it is often assumed that the mark bearing the name was relegated to more mundane pieces, the extravagant nature of this jug defies that notion. Commentators too often apply twentieth century concepts of manufacturing consistency to nineteenth century ceramics. We doubt that Masons or many other of their colleagues in Staffordshire followed absolute rules in their marking.

A second smaller jug in the same shape and pattern is available. The final photo shows the contrasting sizes.