Ironstone china was intended as a substitute for porcelain when it was first produced in the early 1800s. Originally developed in Staffordshire, England, ironstone china was the mass-produced alternative to the high-class porcelains that were in fashion at around that time. It was also known as Stone China and semiporcelain, and was patented by several manufacturers simultaneously, reflecting the market for a low-cost yet high-quality pottery material.
The stoneware produced was solid, robust and dense with a blue hue, while not lacking in aesthetic appeal. Ironstone china possesses a mellow “orange-peel” glaze finish, and is opaque rather than translucent as most porcelain and china is. The name itself does not derive from any Oriental origin or sizeable iron content – it was called “ironstone china” because its makers thought that it reflected both characteristics of strong iron and delicate china.
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The style of ironstone china did, however, take much influence from the Asian designs that were coming into Europe, with vases and pots often near-indistinguishable from authentically Japanese and Chinese wares. The Masons, who patented the term Ironstone for themselves, were especially adept at Chinoiserie with ironstone china, with enamelling and florid ornamentation mimicking Chinese pottery which was popular of the time. Ironstone china became increasingly widespread and popular due to its practicality as well, although rare and master works were still being created.
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