Pair Of Mason’s Ironstone Posy Vases In The Bird And Peony Pattern, Circa 1900

This attractive pair of Mason’s ironstone posy vases dates to around 1900 and features the colourful Bird and Peony pattern from the Flying Bird decorative family. The composition centres on a bird in motion combined with a prominent peony bloom, creating a vivid Oriental-inspired scene.

The decoration is executed on a blue underglaze outline transfer base and finished with hand-applied enamel colouring and discreet gilded highlights that enhance the movement and detail of the design.

Made as interior decorative pieces rather than table wares, these small globular vase forms were produced in more limited quantities than the larger chargers and vases using the same pattern, contributing to their present-day scarcity.

Both examples retain the crowned Mason’s Patent Ironstone China mark to the base.

A refined and collectible pair from Mason’s late Victorian decorative production.

Measurements

Vase 1 — Height: 12 cm / 4.7″; Diameter: 18 cm / 7.1″; Weight: 313 g
Vase 2 — Height: 12.2 cm / 4.8″; Diameter: 18 cm / 7.1″; Weight: 348 g

Condition

Vase 1 — minimal chip to the footrim; a minimal, almost invisible hairline to the body; wear to the white paint inside the neck; otherwise excellent.

Vase 2 — small chip to the upper rim with a reattached fragment; otherwise excellent.