Ironstone china
Vitreous pottery / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ironstone china, ironstone ware or most commonly just ironstone, is a type of vitreous pottery first made in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century. It is often classed as earthenware[1][2] although in appearance and properties it is similar to fine stoneware.[3] It was developed in the 19th century by potters in Staffordshire, England, as a cheaper, mass-produced alternative for porcelain.[4]
The formulation quoted in the original patent (Brit. Pat. 3724, 1813) by Charles James Mason, is: 4 parts china clay, 4 parts china stone, 4 parts calcined flint, 3 parts prepared ironstone and a trace of cobalt oxide. However, it has long been known that no ironstone was used; its mention, and the name of the product, was used to suggest high strength.[5]
Ironstone in Britain's Staffordshire potteries was closely associated with the company founded by Mason following his patent of 1813,[1][6] with the name subsequently becoming generic.[7] The strength of Mason's ironstone body enabled the company to produce ornamental objects of considerable size[8][9] including vestibule vases 1.5 metres high[10] and mantelpieces assembled from several large sections.[11]
Antique ironstone wares are collectable, and in particular items made by Mason's.[12]