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Raven Mason Collection
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Japan Patterns
Japanese porcelain was mainly manufactured in Arita; it was highly prized and exported through the Port of Imari in the Province of Hizen. Designs were often based on textile patterns, especially sumptuous brocades; the result when transferred to ceramics was a bold, decorative scheme.
The Prince Regent (late George IV) placed orders with several English manufacturers for ceramics in the Japan style. Fashionable society followed his lead and anglicised versions of Japanese decoration developed during the first quarter of the nineteenth century.
In 1813 Miles Mason's sons, Charles James and George Miles took over the business and for the first time dinner services became a principal product, they also introduced Japan patterns onto the new patent ironstone body.
Design from the C.J. Mason pattern book. Circa 1840. By courtesy of The Wedgwood Museum, Barlaston, Staffordshire. Copyright © 2005 Keele University. All rights reserved.
This was a huge success; the greyish-blue ironstone body was the perfect canvas for Japanese style decoration. The blue was applied under the glaze either by hand painting or printing. After glazing, the ware was enamelled with colours and the edge lined with apricot lustre or gold. A variety of Japan patterns decorated virtually every shape the company produced and ornamental pieces such as vases and inkstands were sometimes more intricately decorated and gilded.
