This tea bowl would have come from a moderately expensive service, as denoted by the gilt trim, which was fashionable during this period, decoration which would otherwise have been left off a less expensive set.

The pattern is the three figure Pagoda pattern printed in underglaze blue. The base is printed with the name MILES MASON along with his recognised pseudo Chinese seal mark.

Miles Mason had until 1800 been in partnership with Thomas Wolfe at Liverpool, and with George Wolfe at Lane Delph in Staffordshire. Mason claimed that the wares he produced after this period were more durable and less likely to chip than Chinese export wares.

Condition: Very Good - no chips, cracks or restoration.

Dimensions: Diameter 3 5/8" (9.2cm); Height 2 1/8" (5.4cm)

Geoffrey A. Godden, English Blue and White Porcelain, (Antique Collectors' Club, 2004).