Although this rare pattern is under-represented in reference sources and seems to have esc...

Although this rare pattern is under-represented in reference sources and seems to have escaped being given a pattern name, its complexity and its richness make it unforgettable.

While the figures themselves are not that unique, the setting crams in as many traditional Chinese elements as possible while maintaining a harmonious whole. We have the typical garden terrace and fretwork fence, but also a glimpse into an interior. We have a body of water in the background with a few friends who swam in from the "Muscovy Duck" pattern, but we also have a garden pond with golden carp in the foreground. In the lower right corner of the scroll we see the most adorably spotted mythical creature any mogul could want as a pet.

The scroll rests on an deep red-orange ground printed with a linear scroll pattern. These margins also feature reserves with "trophy" groups and beautiful flowers enameled in famille rose colors. A border of chevrons provides a snappy finish.

This pattern has much in common with other Masons patterns that feature Chinese figure gro...

This pattern has much in common with other Masons patterns that feature Chinese figure groups, particularly the "Scroll" pattern. Of these, however, this pattern is far and away the most scarce. Those of us who have pursued the pattern since it was featured on the cover of Geoffrey Godden's 1980 book on Masons know how elusive it is.

Like much of the bone china produced during the Charles James Mason period, this piece is unmarked. Could possible confusion over the identity of these pieces be one reason for their rarity?