Masons "Lotus" pattern must be included in the group known as "Japan Patterns," noted for their Imari inspired designs with a palette of orange-red, green and pink, anchored by patches of cobalt blue. The design of "Lotus" is more conventional than others with its strong central focus on a bright orange blossom emerging from a deep blue pad. A two-part border defines the flange with large blossoms and fruit surrounded by an outer band of cross-hatched trellis with reserves of small gilded blossoms. A narrow ochre lustre band at the edge emulates the effect of the gilded edges on richer wares.

In production the cobalt patches were fired first. Decorators then completed the pattern with hand applied enamels, according to a general plan. The inevitable degree of variation can be observed by comparing the centers of these two examples, which very well may have been included in the same set

Though a size usually labeled salad plates, these were likely part of a set used for either dessert or tea. The molded pleat detail on the flange of the blank as well as the deeper than usual well confirms the early date of production indicated by the straight-line impressed mark. The delicacy of enamel decoration is also characteristic of the first two decades of Masons production.

How do we compare Masons Patent Ironstone with other hand enameled wares produced at the same time? Clearly the most skillfully controlled hand enameling was to be found on porcelain and bone china intended for the upper reaches of society.The freedom and variability of Mason's decoration more closely resembles the slap-dash gaudy decoration on inexpensive earthenwares. Still, Masons aspired to an elite market position with its more intricate adaptations of Chinese polychrome patterns and the occasional use of gilding (or techniques intended to suggest actual gilding). It may be that this hybrid status is responsible for Masons appeal to today's collectors--intricate enough to command interest while spontaneous enough to avoid fussiness.