Ironstone

Ironstone was named for the “iron” strength of the ceramic body, and not, as popularly thought, for iron in its clay.

  • Antique English Ironstone Bowl Decorated in the Imari Palette, Circa 1830

    Antique English Ironstone Bowl Decorated in the Imari Palette, Circa 1830

    $285.00

    Made by Spode in England circa 1830, this oval ironstone bowl is decorated with flowers in a rich Imari palette of cobalt blue and iron red, with accents of green foliage.
    The floral and foliate design was first transfer-printed and then hand-colored in enamels, blending crisp graphic detail with painterly warmth.
    The flowers are rendered in vivid colors with delicate precision, set against a light blue glaze that lends the surface a soft, luminous glow.
    A border of geometric trellis with floral cartouches frames the composition.
    This bowl is an ironstone gem!

    Dimensions: 10.75″ x 7.25″ x 2″ tall

    Condition: Excellent

    The bowl reflects the early 19th-century English fascination with Japanese and Chinese Imari porcelain.

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  • Pair of Colorful Ironstone Plates "Late Spode" England Circa 1835

    Pair of Colorful Ironstone Plates “Late Spode” England Circa 1835

    $285.00

    This pair of dishes feature a lively design of waterlilies and songbirds in a lovely array of colors. The flowers are painted in shades of pink, yellow, and green, while the stems and leaves are adorned with gilt, deep blue, and grey. The border is filled with vibrant butterflies and songbirds in flight above orange blossoms and peach-colored rockwork. The gilded edge is elegantly curved. The dishes are simply beautiful.

    Dimensions: 10″ diameter

    Condition: Excellent

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  • Set of 6 18th Century Imari Dessert Plates Turner's Patent

    Set of 6 18th Century Imari Dessert Plates Turner’s Patent

    $1,430.00

    This set of six plates, crafted by John Turner circa 1795, features the exquisite Imari color palette of iron red, cobalt blue, and radiant gold.
    The color combination creates a vibrant and striking look, and the design of a dragon soaring amidst a lush garden is captivating.
    The pattern was inspired by the renowned Imari porcelain patterns of 17th and 18th century Japan.
    John Turner, the inventor of ironstone, crafted the plates. He held the first patent for ironstone, which he manufactured from 1795 to 1805. The underside of each plate is impressed with the mark “Turner”.

    The Turner family of potters was active in Staffordshire, England, from 1756-1829.
    Their manufactures have been compared favorably with those of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons.
    Josiah Wedgwood was a friend and a commercial rival of John Turner, the first notable potter in the Turner family.

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  • Set of 11 Early Spode Ironstone Imari Dessert Dishes Made circa 1815

    Set of 11 Early Spode Ironstone Imari Dessert Dishes Made circa 1815

    $1,650.00

    A set of 11 Imari style ironstone dessert dishes, made by Spode circa 1815.

    Josiah Spode II began producing stone china in 1813 as an alternative to porcelain. Stone china, also known as ironstone due to its hard and durable fabric, became famous for its porcelain-like greyish blue glaze and glassy surface. So popular was this new medium that Queen Charlotte purchased her own stone china service from Spode’s Portugal Street showroom. These dessert dishes are early examples of Spode Stone China; in 1822 the company introduced an improved body marketed as “New Stone,” and thereafter items were branded as such.

    Dishes are marked with pattern number 2283 in iron red and feature the printed Spode Stone China mark in underglaze blue.

    Dimensions: 8 in. Dm x 1/2 in. H (20.3 cm Dm x 1.4 cm H)

    Condition: Excellent overall. Light wear to some enamels and gilding on dishes commensurate with age and use. The plates with the least and most amounts of wear are pictured.

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