Masons "Bandana" refers, not so much to a pattern, as to a group of wares decorated in some manner with the same distinctive transfer print.  The Chinese-derived design presents a field of curly cloud motifs upon which are scattered blossoms and mythical dragon dogs. The creatures, perhaps conceived as fearsome guardians, are in fact quite adorable.

On this bottle shape jug, the "Bandana" print has been applied in two horizontal bands, creating a top/bottom division of the surface. The background of the upper band has received a dense black enamel highlighting the clouds, flowers and dogs. Daubs of surprisingly delicate pastel wash enhance the main figures without diminishing the dramatic contrast. A translucent, but vivid, orange enamel has been applied to the lower band allowing the clouds to show through while leaving the flora and fauna in stark black and white. Yet another enamel color, yellow this time, adorns the handle.

Masons utilized the "Bandana" transfer in a variety of ways--as the main decoration of a piece, as a ground for other motifs, and even as a border. Examples of "Bandana Ware" range from utilitarian jugs, to candlesticks, to tea and table wares, to massive hall vases. More than one collector has followed the intriguing strategy of  assembling a display of the variants--all invariably look good together.