A soft scalloped profile and gentle molded ripple to the flange temper the substantial size and weight of these ironstone soup plates making them ideal for Mason's playful "Muscovy Ducks" pattern. "Muscovy Ducks" makes its striking impression through the charm of its subject, the profusion of its floral motifs, and its boldly contrasting shapes and colors. The use of transfer printing tinted with a generous variety of colored enamels enables Masons to achieve a controlled design rich in intricate details.

Gazing at a peach colored pond--beyond a cobalt shoreline fence and lush stand of lotus--we observe the aquatic procession of  two playfully conceived ducks. An intermediate band of decoration features "spokes" which define alternating reserves of  vigorous blooming plants set in crisp contrast to the whiteness of the stone china body. These "spokes," overlaid with floral tracery, continue into the outer cobalt band which provides the ground for even more oriental devices. Mason's finishes the very edge of the piece with a thin band of their shimmering ochre lustre.

While taking advantage of an enthusiasm for oriental and oriental-derived tablewares, in "Muscovy Ducks" Masons turns away from the restrained, rarefied taste of the elite classes. Here Masons goes after a market segment--perhaps the nouveau riche of the time--who were interested in household goods with a bit more punch. It is difficult to imagine a stiff aristocratic party centered around a table set with a dinner or dessert service in this pattern.

To our modern eyes, the pattern suggests an illustration to a particularly endearing children's bedtime story--perhaps "Make Way for Muscovy Ducklings"...