Mason's porcelain thimble
Name/Title
Mason's porcelain thimbleEntry/Object ID
2021.1.206Description
Porcelain thimble with floral "Nabob" design and gold bands on top and bottom. Part of the Franklin Mint "Thimbles of the World’s Greatest Porcelain Houses" series. Retailer description: "The Mason’s thimble bears an interesting floral design known as 'Nabob.' Based on a pattern which originated in India, the design on the thimble is a carefully scaled reproduction of one which has been made by Mason’s for many years. Miles Mason, born in 1752, was a “Chinaman,” or importer of Oriental porcelain. When his company became unprofitable because of high import duties during the Napoleonic Wars, he abandoned the import trade and began the manufacture of porcelain in England. In conjunction with his son Charles James, he developed the hard ceramic body which was patented in 1813. It became famous as “ironstone” and was durable enough to allow the production the production of enormous pieces such as fireplaces, four-poster bedsteads and garden seats. An extensive range of patterns evolved, showing the influence of both Oriental and Baroque art. In 1848 Mason’s molds, patterns and trademark were acquired by Francis Morley and transferred to the Broad Street Works at Hanley where they are in use today. Purchased by George Ashworth, the business traded under the name Geo. L. Ashworth & Bros. until 1968 when the Mason name was resumed. Mason’s tradition of beauty and durability is as important today as it was in the time of its founder. Miles Mason’s tableware, originally produced as a replacement for the Chinese porcelain, continues to provide its many admirers with “a note of exoticism and an aura of splendor.”Collection
Marianne Kerr Thimble CollectionCategory
Tools