An octagonal Chinoiserie jug with the green Hydra handle. This jug has one of the sought after Chinoiserie patterns with Chinese people, called the "Red Scale Conversation Group" as documented on page 77 of "A Guide to Mason's Patent Ironstone Patterns, circa 1813-1848," published by The Masons Collectors' Club. Richly decorated in the 'Conversation' pattern with vignettes of Chinese figures in a garden. The underglaze transfer is overpainted by hand in orange, rose madder, green, yellow and cobalt. The rim and handle are highlighted with soft orange lustre typical of the period.

These jugs were made in a range of sizes, varying from a small of under three inches high to larger ones over 10 inches. This jug is intricately hand-painted in every area, in very bold Oriental coloured enamels over a printed outline with the pattern continuing into the inside rim.  We love the green scaled Hydra handle with an iridescent orange 'face'.

A clearly Printed early Mason's 'angular crown' mark with impressed marks and signed in red '107'. Height 13.5cm (5.25in) on base. c. 1830. 

The condition is excellent for its age.  A very special little jug acquired from an estate in the English Lake District.

W4" to handle, body dia 3.8", H4.5".