Ironstone plate by Ashworth’s with printed design and inpainting, c. 1870.

Condition: In excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.

Dimensions: Approximately 8½” diameter.

Decoration:

The molded rim is decorated in underglaze blue with reserves alternating Chinese figures and flowers on an orange background, overpainted in gold with stylized trailing leaves.

 The center is decorated in underglaze blue with a shaped octagonal cartouche within which are writing instruments in a garden of flowering peonies.

The reverse bears a printed “Ironstone China” mark, an impressed “Ashworth’s Real Ironstone China” mark, and painted pattern numbers.

This pattern was initially produced by Charles James Mason as pattern number 3172. The predecessor to Ashworth firm purchased molds and stock from Charles James Mason in 1852, and this pattern was produced by Ashworth’s into the last quarter of the 19th century.