There is no need to point out the dramatic appeal that has made "Old School House" one of the most sought after patterns in Masons Ironstone. Splashy Imari style reserves in reds and oranges--one floral, one the school house landscape--are complemented by rich gilt foliage detail over the balance of the deep cobalt ground. Besides showing particularly skillful execution, however, this example boasts a most unusual feature--its shape.

The "Club" shape is well known among the jug offerings of Staffordshire potters, but this is the first example we have encountered by Masons. In addition, it is an especially lovely adaptation of the form. The high collar rises from the curved body like a blossom, turning down gently at the rim. Decorators took advantage of the flared opening to daub more of the runny cobalt inside as a ground for an "extra" band of brightly contrasting blossoms.

Just as unique among Mason forms is the handle--double flat straps with a reeded surface, joined to the body with clusters of finely detailed flowers. It is a form more typical of early light weight creamwares, than sturdy stone bodies. Tracing the handles one can imagine the worker applying the press molded straps, as supple as ribbon. As a final defining touch one strap is finished in gilt, the other in ochre lustre; the underside is picked out in the red enamel we recognize from Mason's serpent handles.

A short band of molded fluting accentuated the downward taper of the jug at the base--a subtle feature we know from Turner's stoneware jugs, but is not characteristic of Masons.

Godden's Guide to Mason's China and the Ironstone Wares includes an illustration of a "School House" jug in this form (pg. 164). Our example, however, offers an additional surprise that sent us searching for further authentication. Instead of any of the listed Mason's marks, the bottom of the jug bears a radial design of short impressed scallops--forming a sort of multi-petaled blossom. The nature and weight of the clay body as well as the enameling technique all spoke of Mason's, but published references give no clues about the marking.

We turned to a friend and colleague in England who we respect as both a dealer and authority in the Mason wares. While he had no explanation, he was familiar with other examples of the mark and confirmed our conviction that the jug is definitely Mason's. His corroboration was worth the extra time and effort; we can offer the fascinating jug with confidence. And we can see that regarding Masons, there is still research to be done.