The explosive scalloped shape, molded pleat detail, and ribbon handles of these stone chin...

The explosive scalloped shape, molded pleat detail, and ribbon handles of these stone china dessert dishes are indicative of the shift in taste from the simple, cool Neoclassicism of the first twenty years of the nineteenth century to the more intricate Rococo forms which would dominate design from the 1830's to midcentury.

Masons utilizes a pair of matching scalloped circular medallions to fill out the well of the oblong form. Each contains an Asian rock or tree motif in cobalt blue from which emerge exotic architectural and plant details.The device is highlighted in ochre and surrounded by flowers in brilliant Chinese red enamel. The same color dominates the meandering floral border which is punctuated with geometric fretwork blocks at key points.

The shape of the cobalt motif may seem unintelligible to modern eyes; one should recall, however, that British potters copied and adapted imported Asian designs quite naively with limited or no understanding of the tradition represented. What seems puzzling to us probably struck the initial producers and consumers the same way.

Geoffrey Godden, Godden's Guide to Masons China and The Ironstone Wares, illustrates this...

Geoffrey Godden, Godden's Guide to Masons China and The Ironstone Wares, illustrates this pattern with a selection of dessert service pieces, including this shape (p. 141, pl. 191).  Godden dates the pieces 1835-1840.

Masons patterns can be difficult to tag by name.  Published research focuses on shapes and marks instead, and the names associated with familiar patterns are, likely as not, later nicknames. The "Pagoda Tree" moniker comes from the 1987 Masons Ironstone exhibition and sale catalog held at Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston, UK (Lot 219).