Even by contemporary standards, this Ashworth ironstone teapot conveys a sense of "efficiency" not generally associated with earlier nineteenth century pots.  The traditional graceful pear teapot form has been transformed into a squared bombe shape ending in little square feet molded into the base.  The effect is a crisp profile defined by knife-edge corners.  Even the handle and spout are squared off continuing the crisp, clean approach to the design. 

The pot is decorated in one of Mason's "Bandana" patterns, in this case consisting of variations of Chinese dogs and medallions almost lost in a dense field of cloud motifs.  The flaming "Chinese" red enamel surrounding these motifs creates a dramatic ground, leaving the dogs and clouds in a starkly contrasting white. The design is applied as a solid "sheet pattern" with no added elements except for touches of gilding--most prominently on the little crowning knop.

While we have discovered very little published work on "Bandana," we have made a few observations from encountering examples over time.

"Bandana" does not refer to one pattern, but a class of similar patterns marked by a dense ground most often based on oriental cloud motif, but occasionally on a vine or other repeating motifs. We generally associate these designs with Chinese or Japanese inspiration, however Indian and other exotic Asian influences are possible.  These designs can constitute the overall decoration as seen here or provide a background pattern for additional decoration--either reserves or larger exotic animal motifs.

The "Bandana" patterns span a period from the last days of  the Mason family management of the pottery, continuing through the Ashworth period and even into the twentieth century. For a general discussion of the history and ownership of  the pottery, we suggest our May 2013 entry to the Seekers Journal, The "Double Landscape Pattern"; Masons by any other name. . .

Our final photo shows this teapot accompanied by a desert bowl in the same "Bandana" pattern, currently available through Seekers Antiques.