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Faizan
Ironstone pottery was a form of durable, porcelain-like ceramic developed in the Staffordshire potteries area of Great Britain during the early 19th century for mass production. The term "ironstone" was patented by Charles James Mason, who issued wares with the backstamp "Mason's Ironstone China." Mason's ironstone was distinctive for containing iron slag as one of its ingredients. However, other manufacturers such as Spode and Ridgway made very similar products throughout the 19th century. Ironstone pottery can usually be identified by its markings and physical properties.
Inspect the item for a printed backstamp on the base. Most pieces will bear the word "ironstone" or terms such as "stone china" or "semi-porcelain." These words can appear both by themselves or as part of a complete maker's backstamp. Pieces by Mason usually carry the mark "Mason's Ironstone China," while Spode pieces often say "Spode Stone China." Ridgway ironstone is often marked with a backstamp which omits the manufacturer's name but which includes the words "Stone Ware" or "Ironstone" and the pattern name within one of a variety of decorative borders.
Feel the weight of the piece and gauge how substantial it is. Ironstone pieces are heavy and thickly potted, not light and delicate.
Look at the decoration. Two of the major manufacturers, Mason's and Spode, decorated most of their stonewares with Oriental-style flowers and leaves using three strong colors -- blue, red and gold. Many people collect ironstone and other forms of stoneware precisely because they are drawn to this vivid color scheme. Ridgway also made pieces in this style, but also produced ironstone with various transfer-printed floral and pictorial designs in blue and white or other muted color schemes.
Consider the function of the piece. Ironstone was used to make domestic, utilitarian pieces -- jugs, bowls and plates. Purely decorative items such as figurines will not be made of ironstone.
Spot modern reproductions by looking at the base. The genuine article will show some wear and discoloration to the rim of the base from a century or so of being moved from one dusty shelf to another, while reproductions will look pale and new. Sometimes manufacturers of reproductions try to compensate by applying random splashes of paint and plaster to the base, but this will not disguise the lack of a credible pattern of wear.
Inspect the item for a printed backstamp on the base. Most pieces will bear the word "ironstone" or terms such as "stone china" or "semi-porcelain." These words can appear both by themselves or as part of a complete maker's backstamp. Pieces by Mason usually carry the mark "Mason's Ironstone China," while Spode pieces often say "Spode Stone China." Ridgway ironstone is often marked with a backstamp which omits the manufacturer's name but which includes the words "Stone Ware" or "Ironstone" and the pattern name within one of a variety of decorative borders.
Feel the weight of the piece and gauge how substantial it is. Ironstone pieces are heavy and thickly potted, not light and delicate.
Look at the decoration. Two of the major manufacturers, Mason's and Spode, decorated most of their stonewares with Oriental-style flowers and leaves using three strong colors -- blue, red and gold. Many people collect ironstone and other forms of stoneware precisely because they are drawn to this vivid color scheme. Ridgway also made pieces in this style, but also produced ironstone with various transfer-printed floral and pictorial designs in blue and white or other muted color schemes.
Consider the function of the piece. Ironstone was used to make domestic, utilitarian pieces -- jugs, bowls and plates. Purely decorative items such as figurines will not be made of ironstone.
Spot modern reproductions by looking at the base. The genuine article will show some wear and discoloration to the rim of the base from a century or so of being moved from one dusty shelf to another, while reproductions will look pale and new. Sometimes manufacturers of reproductions try to compensate by applying random splashes of paint and plaster to the base, but this will not disguise the lack of a credible pattern of wear.
Posted in: antiques
