This is a beautiful large chinoiserie ironstone sauce tureen, unmarked but with a pattern number (1/5957). I’m reasonably sure it was made by Mason's of Staffordshire in early 1800's c1820 comparing it to other late Georgian Mason patterns of this time and the striking similarities. The makers mark would have been on the inside of the lid. 
 
The tureen is an elegant pedestal shape with a round foot and two moulded faux bois handles. It would have had a very ornate lid. It is hand painted with additional hand gilded highlights in Imari colours, typical of this period. It is 18cm high, with a 25cm diameter and is 35cm in width from handle to handle.
 
Many attribute the creation of ironstone to Mason’s pottery in Staffordshire, but they merely patented the term Ironstone China in 1813. Thirteen years prior the Turner pottery (1756-1829), also of Staffordshire, developed the recipe and process for manufacturing it. English potteries had been experimenting for years trying to compete with pure white porcelain pieces imported from China, which was very expensive. Ironstone is a vitreous type stoneware, known for its durability and strength. Masons manufactured their ironstone out of Cornwall clay and cobalt blue colouring baked at very high temperatures, which lends ironstone that slightly blueish or gray cast,
 
The turreen has a small virtually unseen mend in the base but is otherwise in good condition. 
 
Planted up with Hellebore 'Oriental Pink' whici will flower all winter and can then be planted out in the garden to flower again next winter. 
 
Our potted plants makes the perfect gift and come with a personalised gift card carefully packed in our compostable recycled straw boxes with the option of pretty Cambridge Imprint paper and vintage velvet ribbon gift wrapping.
 
This is a very large piece and not to be trusted with couriers. Collection is either in our shop (26 Connaught Street, London, W2 2AF) or delivery by ourselves within the following postcodes - W1, WC1, W2, WC2, SW1, SW3, NW1, NW8. We can give you a delivery price on purchase.