Rich Browns And Earthy Tones: Elevating Your Dinner Table With Mason's China Dinnerware

Masons China & Dinnerware is a highly collectible vintage tableware collection. The range includes various patterns and colours, such as the popular 'Fruit Basket' design in blue, red, and green, as well as the Vista pattern in pink and brown. The Mason's brand also offers ironstone dinnerware, with items like the 'Game Birds' dinner plate and the Vista double egg cup. For those seeking a full dinnerware set, Mason's offers the Chantilly 24-piece set and the Paynsley breakfast service for four. These vintage pieces are available on Etsy and other online retailers, providing an elegant and unique addition to any dining table.

Mason Craft & More Festival Dinnerware Collection

The Mason Craft & More Festival Dinnerware Collection is a beautiful and elegant set perfect for those who love to cook and entertain. This 12-piece dinnerware set is crafted from the finest stoneware and finished with a bold, rich-coloured glaze, giving it a timeless and durable quality that will last for years.

The set includes four 10.7" round dinner plates, four 8.6" round salad plates, and four 6.7" deep cereal bowls, all in a stunning crimson red colour. The traditional round shape of each piece is enhanced by embossed ring details and a rich glaze, while the wide rim adds a gentle lip that will hold in juices, sauces, and glazes.

This dinnerware collection is not just about good looks, it's also about functionality and convenience. The set is dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 300°F, freezer-safe, and microwave-safe, making it a low-maintenance dream. The glaze creates a non-porous layer, making the set virtually impermeable to liquids, stains, and odours.

The Mason Craft & More Festival Dinnerware Collection is a perfect gift for those who love to cook and entertain, coming boxed and ready for any occasion. It's a set that truly combines quality and convenience, ensuring a lasting impression.

With its combination of beauty, functionality, and durability, the Mason Craft & More Festival Dinnerware Collection is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience and create memorable moments with family and friends.

Antique Masonic China

A full set of Masonic china may include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, teacups, saucers, serving platters, and more. The designs on these pieces often incorporate Masonic symbols, such as the square and compass, often surrounded by intricate patterns and floral motifs. The colour palette of antique Masonic china varies, with pieces in blue, pink, red, green, and brown being the most commonly found.

One of the most recognisable patterns is the "Fruit Basket" design, which features a colourful arrangement of fruits and flowers, often on a white or ironstone background. Other popular patterns include "Vista," "Stratford," "Paynsley," and "Denmark." These patterns are sought after by collectors for their intricate details and vibrant colours.

When searching for antique Masonic china, sites like Etsy and eBay offer a wide range of options. Collectors can find everything from individual pieces to full dinnerware sets. When purchasing antique china, it is essential to pay close attention to the condition of the pieces, as some may have minor flaws or signs of wear and tear.

The value of antique Masonic china can vary depending on the age, rarity, condition, and pattern of the pieces. Some rare and well-preserved sets can fetch higher prices, making them a valuable addition to any antique china collection.

Mason's Ironstone China

Masons Ironstone China, or simply Mason's, is a renowned English pottery company with a long history of producing high-quality ceramics. The company was founded by Miles Mason in 1813, and played a pivotal role in the development and popularisation of ironstone china, a durable and affordable type of ceramic.

Miles Mason's background in selling imported Oriental porcelain heavily influenced the company's early designs, which often featured delicate Oriental patterns. Over time, Mason's became synonymous with this style, and their name became closely associated with ironstone ware in Britain.

Transferware, a technique where intricate designs are engraved onto a copper plate, inked, and transferred onto the ceramic surface, is a hallmark of Mason's china. Their skilled use of transfer printing allowed for the reproduction of elaborate and colourful designs, often inspired by Chinese and Asian art. Some of their most popular patterns include "Mandarin," "Vista," and "Regency."

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Mason's Ironstone China is known for its strength and durability. The company's ironstone body enabled them to produce ornamental objects of considerable size, including large vestibule vases and mantelpieces. This durability also made their products suitable for everyday use, democratising the enjoyment of fine china by making it more accessible and affordable.

Today, vintage Mason's china is highly sought after by collectors, who value its rich colours and historical significance in the world of ceramics. While the company changed hands and underwent mergers over the years, the Mason's name and its legacy in English ceramic craftsmanship endure.

A Brief History of Mason's Ironstone China:

It was Miles' third son, Charles Mason, who patented "Ironstone China" in 1813, and the name became synonymous with the company. They publicised and popularised this material, which was valued for its strength and ease of production.

Despite the success of ironstone, the company faced competition as other manufacturers also began producing ironstone ware. Developments in English porcelain production, such as Spode's Felspar Porcelain in 1822, contributed to the decline of ironstone's popularity. By 1861, Mason's was bought by Ashworth Brothers Ltd, who continued to produce "Mason's Ironstone."

In 1973, the company joined the Wedgwood Group, and production of finely decorated porcelain continued until 1998 when operations ceased. This marked the end of the Mason's name and ironstone as a widely produced material, as many English potteries that made this earthenware had merged into Wedgwood over time.

Mason's Fruit Basket Range

Masons Fruit Basket Range is a discontinued line of tableware from Mason's Ironstone China. The design features a basket of fruit in the centre of each piece, with the range available in different colour variations, including Blue, Brown, Brown Multi, Green, Pink, Plum, and Plum Multi.

The range includes various items such as teacups, tea saucers, milk jugs, tea plates, toast racks, tureens, bowls, and plates of different sizes. The pieces are sold individually or in sets, with some items being part of larger sets. For example, the Mason's Fruit Basket Blue Transferware on Ironstone Rectangle Serving Bowl is sold individually, while the Mason's Fruit Basket "Green" Tea Cup and Saucer are sold as a set.

The Masons Fruit Basket Range is considered a striking period design and is one of the more recognisable discontinued designs from Mason's Ironstone China. The range is available from various sellers, including Etsy and eBay, with prices varying depending on the item and seller.

Mason Cash Plates

One notable option is the Mason Cash Christmas Tree Shop NWT set, which includes eight plates made in England. This set offers a festive and whimsical touch to your dining experience.

For those seeking a more vintage or rustic aesthetic, Mason Cash offers a range of ironstone plates in various patterns and colours. The "Fruit Basket" pattern, for instance, features a blue and multicolor design, while the "Vista" pattern includes options in red, brown, and pink. These plates are highly collectible and date back to the 1920s-1940s, adding a touch of history and charm to your table.

Another popular pattern is the "Stratford" design, which features pink and white transferware. This particular design also comes in a Mulberry colour, featuring an illustration of George Washington and the Capitol.

Mason Cash also offers stoneware options, such as the "Nabob" pattern, which features pretty stoneware dinnerware from the 1930s.

Overall, Mason Cash plates provide a diverse range of styles and colours, allowing you to mix and match to create a unique and personalised table setting. Whether you're seeking vintage charm or a modern aesthetic, Mason Cash has something to offer for those wishing to elevate their dining experience.

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