Ironstone china, ironstone ware or most commonly just ironstone , is a type of vitreous pottery first made in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century. It is often classed as earthenware although in appearance and properties it is similar to fine stoneware.
In general, ironstone can be used safely for serving food. To avoid cracking when putting hot foods in or on white ironstone , preheat platters or tureens at a low oven for 10 or 15 min. Boiling water can crack ironstone at degrees, so keep oven temperatures below The famous octagonal jugs, introduced by Mason's in , have never been out of production and are still made today!
Mason's Ironstone was taken over by Wedgwood. Earthenware, stoneware and ironstone are all terms used to describe pottery types that are similar but not exactly the same. Earthenware and stoneware are made from different types of clay, while ironstone is a type of stoneware developed in the early s.
Freshly cleaved ironstone is usually grey. The brown external appearance is due to oxidation of its surface. Ironstone , being a sedimentary rock is not always homogeneous, and can be found in a red and black banded form called tiger iron, sometimes used for jewelry purposes. Secret Life of Antiques: Collecting Ironstone.
The popularity of Spode's ironstone actually surpassed the traditional faience pottery in France. Ironstone , the name and its formula, containing the mineral feldspar, were patented in by the British potter Charles James Mason in There is no iron in ironstone. For those of you not familiar with ironstone , it is antique pottery originally made in the United Kingdom.
Originally made in transferware patterns, beginning in the s, British potteries created white ironstone for the American market where undecorated tableware was popular. Thanks for the great article!!! Hi Stefanie! Ironstone is so much fun to collect!
The French rooster tureen was found at an estate sale many years ago. I have seen a couple of them since then, so keep looking and you may find one! However, nothing ever came to mind. My husband and I moved to the country just last year,so I am still decorating our modern farmhouse style home. Just last week I was reading an article on-line about Ironstone. I have never even heard of it before! I saw the most adorable pitcher and my heart skipped a beat then melted.
I know that sounds funny…but I fell in love with it. Since last week I have been trying to educate myself about it. Ironstone really is so interesting to me.
The antique pieces have had a former life. Each a different story…if they could talk…Wow. You have some lovely pieces. The creamy whites,the grayish blues,Amazing. Thank you for your article. Lisa G. Sweet Cindy, I am in awe of your willingness to leave your lovely home where u have renovated with excellence, to move close to your children and grandchildren. We moved away from ours in to come to the shores of S.
This was a surprise to all as her sister was ten when my daughter had Amelia. Since that time, even before, I realized we had made a huge mistake. I am now over 10 hours away from my 92 year old father in a nursing home and equally that far from my only brother and my precious nieces. Paradise here on Earth can only be found in my family.
God bless u sweet online friend. Deborah Holmes. Oh, Deborah, you have made me cry with your sweet note. We feel like we are missing out on so much, and nothing in this life matters except our loved ones. God bless you, Deborah, and I will keep you in my prayers as you start your new exciting chapter! Love collecting white ironstone. It is really fun when I see something that makes my heart leap! You have a lovely collection and thanks for doing a post about it. And thanks for all the great info!
I was given my first few pieces of ironstone 30 years ago by a dear family friend who has since passed away. They had been in her family for many years. I liked the way it looked in my kitchen and have slowly accumulated a small collection. Since it has gained popularity in recent years it is harder to find in my area and the prices have definitely gone up.
Thank you for your tips on collecting ironstone and what to look for. Not many pieces seem to make it to the Rocky Mt. When we travel to the South to visit family I tell them I really do come to visit them, not just to every vintage shop on the way!
Thanks for sharing! What a wonderful story, Terri! Thank you for commenting! Beautiful collection! I love the peaceful elegance of your home. I especially love the angel with the beautiful rosary displayed on it.
So many of these items are an uplifting witness to your faith. I only have 4 pieces. I have a tureen with a lid but the bottom is darker? I just figured that was from oven use. It is a baking dish and top actually. Not sure how to clean the glaze to be creamy again? Any ideas.?
I love you and your home. Hi Jenny! So embrace the browning! I love this post! Thank you so much! I have loved ironstone for years also, it is still my favorite! Recently, I have been lucky and found a number of pieces at my local thrift store It is a thrill each time I come across a piece! Your collection is beautiful! Keep enjoying. Thank you Marian! I am actually interested in the beautiful piece of furniture beneath the ironstone.
Andrea , I agree! Marian, is the a hope you could tell us? Sally -Using bleach or strong cleaners on old china is a bad idea. The bleach gets under the glaze through the tiny cracks and after a while lifts the glaze and you are left with crumbling unglazed china.
I have a huge Victorian meat platter I was given by someone who had ruined it. Dear Marion! Just wanted to keep in touch, and get with you on a possible solution. Again many thanks for your time and of course your blog. Pam Phillips Alabama. I became smitten with ironstone after reading your blog.
I finally was able to get my first piece in the last month and it has the same hallmark as one of your pieces. It is in mint condition. I call it a casserole but after reading this post perhaps a brush box except it is not real narrow. Thank you for the information and getting me hooked! Hi Marion, I am hooked on ironstone ware! They were very expensive. Did I get taken?
That means there are no cracks or imperfections in the ironstone. I keep the pitcher out on display in my living room at all times.
I feel so fortunate to have this set. I will start looking for more ironstone as your information and collection has piqued my interest. Marian, I have admired your ironstone for a while, but could never really find much in a similar style here in Australia — until today! Even better! Your email address will not be published.
Submit Comment. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. I remember reading a magazine years ago, drooling over the ironstone collections in some of the featured homes.
I found a pitcher several months later and the collection has grown from there. There is a load of useful information about the care and cleaning of ironstone from an expert here. I just about passed out with excitement when I pulled it out of a bug-eaten box. AntiqueChase on September 14, at pm. I love your grandmother's tureen! Great post.. Stacy on September 14, at pm. Cheryl on September 14, at pm. Karena on September 14, at pm. I agree, you can find some pieces so reasonably!!
They are beautiful I adore the creamy white. Karena Art by Karena Reply. The commentary on '70s decor made me chuckle… Reply. Elizabeth on September 14, at pm. Korrie RedHenHome on September 14, at pm. Your little creamer is my favorite piece! Stephanie on September 14, at pm. Tardevil on September 14, at pm. Michelle on September 14, at pm. Thanks Reply. Allison on September 14, at pm. Cheryl on September 15, at am. Cheryl Reply. SueAnn on September 15, at am. Hugs SueAnn Reply. Shell on September 15, at am.
Thanks for continually educating me on things out of my realm. Love your collection. Leah on September 15, at am. Toni on September 15, at am. Thanks for that information. It was helpful for me. Linda Nina's Nest on September 15, at am. Linda Reply. Polly on September 15, at am. Susan deGeneres on September 15, at am. Have a great fall day! Susan Reply. Actually, it is true that you love blue and white, I should send you a pic of my beautiful oil lamp that I stole, no, borrowed ,from my Daddy, I think you will just drool… Reply.
Traci on September 15, at am. Sue on September 15, at am. Thanks for all the ironstone info! Lydia on September 15, at am. Amanda on September 15, at am. Thanks for a great post. Cindy on September 15, at am. Hugs, Cindy Reply. Elizabeth and Gary on September 15, at am. Jeannine on September 15, at am. Kim Cheap Chic Home on September 15, at am. Thanks for the tips. I'll keep a look out. Nancy on September 15, at am. Nancy H. Nutbird on September 15, at am. Ann Reply.
Linden Townhouse on September 15, at pm. Anonymous on September 15, at pm. Charles James Mason, a British potter, patented ironstone in Mason, Spode, and Hicks and Meigh, were just a few of the names of major ironstone manufacturers during that time.
In the 's, the stoneware was exported to North America in droves. It was quite a hit here in the states, particularly with rural American families. By the 's, the US was manufacturing its own ironstone. Even today, there is a strong market for these practical pieces.
The good news for those of us who don't live on a Kayne budget there's a name I never thought would make it into a vintage stoneware post , you can still find high quality pieces for just a few dollars. Frog Goes To Market. Where can I buy ironstone? Ebay, Etsy, antique shops, flea markets, and thrift stores are all great places to look for ironstone. I've actually been lucky and found my pieces all at Goodwill so far! Vibeke Designs. Stay away from anything marked "iron ware", those are reproductions.
Many of the hallmarks include a crown or an image of the Royal Coat of Arms.
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