Charles James Mason

English manufacturer

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June 30, 2026

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Charles James Mason was an English manufacturer known for creating a type of pottery called Mason ware. This durable pottery, also known as Mason's Patent Ironstone China, was first produced by C.J. Mason & Company in 1813. Mason's goal was to offer an affordable alternative to Chinese porcelain, particularly for larger items like vases. His specialties included decorative vases with intricate relief work and dragon-shaped handles, large dinner services, and distinctive hexagonal jugs. Mason ware was also used for decorative chimneypieces. The term "Mason jar" also refers to a type of jar, named after John L. Mason, an American metalsmith, and is commonly used for home canning.12

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ironstone china
A patent was granted to Charles James Mason, Lane Delph, in 1813 for the manufacture of “English porcelain,” a white ware that he marketed as Mason’s Ironstone China. Job and George Ridgway made a similar product under the name stone china. The wares, usually service pieces and vases based on…
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A patent was granted to Charles James Mason, Lane Delph, in 1813 for the manufacture of “English porcelain,” a white ware that he marketed as Mason’s Ironstone China. Job and George Ridgway made a similar product under the name stone china. The wares, usually service pieces and vases based on…
Read More