I wrote a post a couple of years ago about ironstone, but I thought I would write an updated post.  I’ve been showing a lot of my recent finds and selling some in my online shop and that has brought out a lot of questions about ironstone. What is ironstone? I answered this question in my first ironstone 101 post, so I’ll quote myself.  “Ironstone china is a glaze-covered earthenware. It was first patented by Charles James Mason in 1813 and other manufacturers followed suit.  At one point, there were almost 200 makers of ironstone china and they made everything from plates and bowls to tureens, covered casseroles, and gravy boats.  Even chamber pots.  Its popularity has come in waves and was apparently wildly popular in the 1970s.  I was not aware that there was anything pretty in home decor during the 70′s, but that decade gets a thumbs up from me for liking ironstone.”