Rare, LARGE matching foot bath and pitcher set. Staffordshire Blue & White Ironstone Transferware. Unknown Maker. Semi-porcelain is commonly referred to as ironstone but it also goes by other names. Though the fired clay body does appear somewhat vitreous (glass-like), it is actually a refined earthenware. In the early 19th century, English Staffordshire potteries began experimenting with a porcelain-like ware that could be cheaply mass-produced. Charles Mason patented this new ware in 1813, which he called ironstone China. Staffordshire is the historic center of semi-porcelain (ironstone) production. By the mid-1800s, several Staffordshire potters produced ironstone because of the presence of high-quality clay within the district. This is an incredible example of ironstone transferware blue and white in a floral pattern. The set is in remarkable condition. The tub measures approximately 16.5" long at base or 19" at top handle to handle x 12.25" wide x 8" tall. The pitcher measures 13.5" tall x 12" wide from handle to lip x 7" diameter at the base. The tube is stamped "SEMI CHINA" on the bottom. The Pitcher is unmarked but someone has written the year 1879 on the bottom. One minor crack visible on bottom of tub (see photos). Otherwise no damage that we can see. The small handle on the pitcher has repair marks where it meets the body, otherwise the pitcher appears undamaged as well. Please examine photos carefully. Date: Country (if not USA): United KingdomState: City: Provenance: