The delicate shape of this sauce tureen stand perfectly complements Mason's "Lotus" decoration. Cobalt blue, applied and fired prior to the other colors, forms the anchor of the pattern. The central lotus blossom, executed in brilliant red orange, and the accompanying cobalt lily pad are surrounded with deep red, pink and green blossoms and foliage. This decoration is echoed in floral clusters around the edge.

A quickly executed outer border of deep red fretwork with floral reserves reflects the elaborate shape of this piece. Finally, ochre lustre finishes the edge giving the slightest impression of gilt.

There are two versions of the "Lotus" pattern, one in Masons Ironstone and the second by Hicks & Meigh. The Masons "Lotus" version is found both marked and unmarked. We have always found the Hicks & Meigh always to be marked. The look and quality are generally consistent and the two are, at a glance, interchangeable. It is only upon closer examination of the Hicks & Meigh pieces that one notes the prominence of the pink melon-like buds and flowers in the florals surrounding the central lotus. One also finds a looser approach to the brush work in the Masons version. Once one becomes aware of these differences, the two patterns become distinct.