Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

18thC.Georgian Washstand and Six Piece "Mason's Ironstone" Toiletry Set

About the Item

This hard to find ensemble consists of a uniquely configured 18th century Georgian night cupboard circa 1770, and a six piece Victorian Mason's Ironstone toiletry set for washing and toiletry needs, circa 1835. The washstand conveniently accommodates all of the pieces from the Mason's set in their appropriate compartments as if it was specifically made for the grouping (see images). The Georgian washstand features the original slide up and adjustable mirror (tilts back and forth); two top fold out compartments, one to each side, to hold grooming articles (hand mirror, toothbrush, etc); a closed door cupboard to store a chamber pot with additional storage on shelf below for additional chamber pot; and a slide out drawer to keep toiletry necessities and medications. Shelf below has circular center with "fiddle" splayed stretchers to join the four legs, which end in brass castors. Original Georgian handles to the sides and drawer pulls completes the decoration. Condition is all original with original finish to the surface. There are some areas readily observable where the wood has separated "in the field" due to shrinkage (see images). Each side and the back of the cupboard reveals two cracks each to the panels ranging in length of 4" to 18" (the one in back). There is also a small 1" cross crack to the stretcher below and a 4" crack to the frame which holds the washstand (see image). The joints are fine and the cupboard is very sturdy. Washstand cupboards were utilitarian in nature and subject to much abuse; consequently not unusual to have some losses here and there, especially after 250 years. Georgian washstand is larger than most found. Dimensions as follows: 36 1/2" high (closed) 51" (open mirror pulled up) 20" wide (closed) 40" wide (opened) 20 " deep Description of Six piece ironstone set follows. Outstanding and rare early 19th century Mason's Ironstone (6) piece set consisting of toilet necessities as follows: Large oversized highly decorated pitcher and bowl for storing water and wash basin Pair of chamber pots for evening needs Similarly decorated toothbrush holder, large enough for multiple users Soap dish with removable strainer dish The fact that this rare ensemble has survived intact with no damage for nearly two hundred years is remarkable. It would have been an item owned and cherished by the aristocracy. And enjoyed as an art form because of it's high quality manufacture, in addition to the elaborate and detailed decoration. Also of note is the 8 sided octagonal form of each of the six items (see images). Please observe the elaborate serpent or snake formed handles to the large pitcher and both of the chamber pots (see images). Also worth mentioning is the attention the interior of the bowl receives, with as much decoration applied as the exterior (see image). The interior upper perimeters of all of the items receive the same amount of attention. The pitcher and bowl combination is larger than most that were manufactured during that period, (16" diameter) made possible by the strength of the ironstone. The Mason's mark underneath the items indicates a 1830s manufacture, with the "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" above and beneath the crown in blue. The ironstone process was patented by Charles Mason in 1813 who started his company shortly after that date in Staffordshire, England. Ironstone was a stronger alternative than the traditional porcelain and gave way to producing larger and stronger objects because of it's durability. It became known as "English Porcelain" and limited the importation and marketing of Chinese porcelain. The "Willow Pattern" is used on this set, albeit, a multiplicity of colors is employed instead of the traditional blue and white. The "Willow Pattern" is based on a, so called, iconic Chinese fable about two young lovers denied marriage by their parents; the story being told in images of the pagoda, fence, bridge, and doves in the sky. This set is all original and there is no restoration. It is brightly hand painted, after engraved copper plate transfers; in colors of rust, green, pink, blue, and white, imitating a Chinese Famille Rose theme. The decorations are quite prolific and very beautiful; also rare to have all the original items still together; especially in such wonderful condition. The Ashworth Ironstone Company bought out the Mason's Ironstone Company in the 1860s but still produced items by "Mason's". Dimensions: Bowl 5 3/8" high x 16" diameter Pitcher 11 1/4" high x 11" deep x 9 1/2" wide Chamber pots 5 3/8" high x 10 1/2" deep x 9" wide Toothbrush holder 5 3/8" high x 4" wide Soap dish 2 3/8" high x 5" diameter Provenance: Owned for forty years and from my own collection having purchased from a San Francisco Estate; April 1979. Note: "Mason's Ironstone Set" may be purchased separately without the Georgian Washstand Cupboard. It is listed as "Mason's Ironstone Toiletry Set" Item Ref LU973214405681.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 51 in (129.54 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
  • Style:
    Georgian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Hardwood,Ironstone,Fired,Glazed,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1770-1779
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1770-1835
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Incline Village, NV
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU973216976932

More From This Seller

View All
Six Piece "Mason's Ironstone" Toiletry Set, English, circa 1835
By Mason's Ironstone
Located in Incline Village, NV
Outstanding and rare early 19th century Mason's Ironstone (6) piece set consisting of toilet necessities as follows: Large oversized highly decorated pitcher and bowl for storing water and wash basin Pair of chamber pots for evening needs Similarly decorated toothbrush holder, large enough for multiple users Soap dish with removable strainer dish The fact that this rare ensemble has survived intact with no damage for nearly two hundred years is remarkable. It would have been an item owned and cherished by the aristocracy. and enjoyed as an art form because of it's high quality manufacture, in addition to the elaborate and detailed decoration. Also of note is the 8 sided octagonal form of each of the six items (see images). Please observe the elaborate serpent or snake formed handles to the large pitcher and both of the chamber pots (see images). Also worth mentioning is the attention the interior of the bowl receives, with as much decoration applied as the exterior (see image). The interior upper perimeters of all of the items receive the same amount of attention. The pitcher and bowl combination is larger than most that were manufactured during that period, (16" diameter) made possible by the strength of the ironstone. The Mason's mark underneath the items indicates a 1830s manufacture, with the "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" above and beneath the crown in blue. The ironstone process was patented by Charles Mason...
Category

Antique 1830s English Early Victorian Porcelain

Materials

Ironstone

Mid-Size Ironstone Pitcher by “W & J Butterfield” England, circa 1855
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nice example of an ironstone pitcher, hand painted from copper plate transfers in the Chinese Manduran pattern depicting peacocks and abundant floral decoration in a Famille Rose sty...
Category

Antique 1850s English Victorian Pitchers

Materials

Ironstone

Pair Porcelain "Bulldogs with Puppies" by Fitz and Floyd Co., American
By Fitz and Floyd
Located in Incline Village, NV
Charming pair of porcelain white seated Bulldogs holding a pair of puppies each from their mouth in a straw basket with a blue bow around their necks; mounted on a blue base. Conditi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Nude Decorated Lidded Porcelain Jar, Limoges, French, Circa 1905
By Limoges
Located in Incline Village, NV
Uniquely decorated porcelain Limoges jar with a wide winged span nude woman and a duck flying out of her hair, perhaps beckoning her to join in the flight. Her legs and feet end as one "a la mermaid". She is quite beautiful and is holding a bouquet of flowers in front of her. The same image appears on the other side. She is hand painted with brown hair, skin tones, with white and black detail to the "butterfly like" double wings. The duck is painted brown and black. Two gold leaf bands circumvents the vessel at the bottom and two thirds up. A blue band above the gold band at the base completes the hand painted decoration of the exterior. The interior of the jar is painted a light colored lime green. The underneath is clearly marked "P L Limoges...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Jars

Materials

Porcelain

"Garden Song" Porcelain Figure by Lladro Spain. Depicts Young Girl with Parasol
By Juan Huerta, Lladro
Located in Incline Village, NV
This was a limited edition hand painted porcelain made in 1992 and retired in 1995; manufactured by Lladro in Spain. Designed and sculpted by world renowned artist, Juan Huerta, it i...
Category

1990s Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

"Summer Stroll" Porcelain Figurine by Lladro, Spain, "Young Girl with Umbrella"
By Juan Huerta, Lladro
Located in Incline Village, NV
This was a limited edition hand painted porcelain made and retired in 1991 by Lladro in Spain. Designed and sculpted by world renowned artist, Juan Huerta, it is entitled "Summer Stroll...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

You May Also Like

Large Antique 18th Century Georgian Oak Tallboy Chest of Six Drawers English
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A very tall and highly attractive 18th-century Georgian oak chest of two over four graduated drawers, with beautifully figured oak, brass handles, and escutcheons, raised on bracket ...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

18th Century Georgian Oak Bureau
Located in Billingshurst, GB
18th century Georgian oak bureau the bureau has four drawers with swan neck handles. The bureau has a fall front flap good writing surface. The int...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Antique Circa Late 1700s Georgian High Boy Chest of Six Drawers
Located in Peabody, MA
A late 1700s Georgian tall chest of six graduated drawers in oak with pierced batwing brasses and beaded drawers on high bracket feet.
Category

Antique Early 1700s British Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

18thc. Regence commode
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved walnut commode
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

18thc Regence chest
Located in Dallas, TX
18th c fine Regence rosewood and mahogany commode. Original marble top
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Faux Bamboo Wood and Red Marble Chest / Washstand
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo maple washstand / chest with carved faux bamboo trim and legs, two front cabinet doors and an added s...
Category

20th Century American Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Recently Viewed

View All