Antique Mason’s Ironstone 9" School House Hydra Jug Pitcher, circa 1820
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Item: Pitcher/ Water Jug
Maker: Mason's Ironstone China (Staffordshire, England)
Retailer/Importer: À la Porte Chinoise (29 Place de la Bourse, Paris)
Pattern: School House / Old Schoolhouse
Shape: Fenton Shape with Hydra/Dragon Handle
Production Era: Regency / Early Victorian (Circa 1813–1825)
Material: Ironstone China
Dimensions: 9 1/2" Tall x 10" Wide (from spout to edge of handle)
An exceptional extra-large (9-inch) Mason’s Patent Ironstone hydra jug in the iconic "School House" pattern, dating to the Regency period (circa 1813–1825). This particular pitcher features an extraordinary historical detail: a vibrant red seller’s stamp on the base for "Place de la Bourse / N° 29 / À la Porte Chinoise". This belongs to the famous 19th-century Parisian luxury boutique that specialized in high-end Oriental imports and exotic wares. It is a fascinating testament to the early 19th-century trade route between Staffordshire potteries and fashionable French high society.
Design & Features:
The Shape: Built on the classic octagonal "Fenton" body shape, it features a beautifully sculpted, hand-painted "hydra" (or serpent/dragon) loop handle resting its jaw directly onto the rim.
The Pallete: A spectacular example of the "Gaudy Imari" aesthetic. It features rich, underglaze cobalt blues, hand-enameled overglaze iron-red/burnt orange tones, and brilliant hand-painted gilt highlighting.
The Scale: Standing at a commanding 9 1/2 inches high and 10 inches wide, this is the highly sought-after, statement-sized variant from Mason's graduated sets.
Condition Report: Excellent antique condition. The hand painted enamel remains exceptionally vibrant and the glaze still has a brilliant sheen. The gilding shows light, age related wear along the rim and bottom edge, but remains remarkably bright for a 200 year old piece. There are two imperfections in the china on the bottom edge, but upon close inspection these imperfections are under the gilding and appear original to production. One very small firing fault on the interior from the kiln. Otherwise no chips or cracks. Please see photos.