Large Mason's Ironstone Tankard, "red Scale Conversation" Design, Hydra Handle, C. 1820

Rare, large antique English mug made of Mason's Patent Ironstone China, produced around 1820 at Mason's Fenton Stone Works, Lane Delph, Staffordshire, featuring a slightly flared octagonal body, a spread-out foot, and a spectacular molded handle shaped like a hydra or dragon, with the head serving as the upper attachment.

It is decorated with the sought-after “Red Scale Conversation Group” chinoiserie pattern, listed in *A Guide to Mason’s Patent Ironstone Patterns, circa 1813–1848*, published by The Masons Collectors’ Club. Red ironstone scale panels frame lively scenes of Chinese figures in a garden; the printed design is hand-enhanced with orange, pink, green, yellow, blue, and black glazes, while the interior rim and the handle, with its orange sheen, extend this rich decoration.

The reverse bears the rare early Mason’s mark, printed in black, Crown-and-Banner, MASON’S / PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA, whose unusually wide letter spacing characterizes the elongated version used around 1815–1825 and confirms the early date.

Mason’s large cider mugs are uncommon antique forms. This one stands out for its particularly rare combination of an imposing size, belonging to the Red Scale Conversation Group, a sculptural hydra handle, a decorated inner rim, and an early mark dating to around 1820.

Dimensions: weight 1,052 g. Height 12.8 cm. Width including handle 20.5 cm. Diameter 17.5 cm. The thick body produces a clear, resonant sound when tapped gently.

Condition: several small kiln cracks at the points where the handle joins the body, wear on the gilding along the rim, and a few tiny chips in the glaze. The brown firing line/glaze shrinkage mark beneath the lower attachment point of the handle is an original firing characteristic, not subsequent damage. Examined under UV light. Otherwise, in excellent vintage condition.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.