An unusual Mason's platter--a pattern we do not recall encountering before.
We can classi...
An unusual Mason's platter--a pattern we do not recall encountering before.
We can classify it among the Masons "Japan" patterns--derivations from Japanese Imari models. Like its fellows, it is executed in hand applied enamels around previously fired patches of deep cobalt blue stain. On the other hand the orange-red enamel, which with its strong contrast to the cobalt blue usually dominates these patterns, takes a back seat to the green, pink, red and gilt elements,
Adding to the slightly unusual palette is the definitely unusual amount of cobalt in the glaze, giving a bluish overall cast, most clearly noted in the background.
While most of these "Japan" patterns focus on a strong central feature in the composition, the arrangement here is oddly scattered. Clearly we are in a garden, and clearly toward the left there is a table of sorts with some very stylized vessels (including an abstract vase and blossom that might make Picasso salute). However, the elements seem to float--like animated cartoons we remember when gravity somehow goes haywire.
Finally, the border is new to us--more carefully spaced over the flange than normal and with a puzzling cobalt motif (bamboo sections?).
What do we know? The circular impressed mark and crisp potting of the body clearly place the piece in the first two decades of the pottery's ironstone production. Plus, without mistake we note the sense of whimsy that for many of us makes Masons wares so endearing.
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