Royal Crown Derby Miniature Imari Vase

Derby was best-known for its "Japanese pattern" or "Old Imari" designs, which were hand-painted onto Derby's pure-white porcelain body in cobalt, iron red and gold. In addition to full-size pieces, at the turn of the 20th century, Derby also made miniatures which were as carefully and intricately-painted as their full-scale pieces.

The Milbourns, experts on English miniatures, who had a decided bias towards 18th and 19th items, can only denigrate Derby's miniatures by saying that they are "Over luscious, particularly in their extensive gilding." ("Understanding Miniature British Pottery and Porcelain", p 75).

This is an amazingly tiny bulbous vase. Derby miniature vases are usually 2-3" tall, but this one is only 1.5"! It's 1.5" in diameter at its widest point.

Marked: Royal Crown Derby England with a crown in red. Date code for 1905.

Condition: fine, no wear or damage.

Item ID: 2268