CROWN DERBY PORCELAIN c1884 pair antique 6" vases, Derby Blue Birds, Aesthetic Movement

These vases are not signed but might easily be the work of John Porter Wale (1860-1920) whose versatility led him to become head painter. Derby pattern books of this period are full of his designs: #902 Derby blue birds, painted flowers with gold and silver leaves by Wale. #1175 rose du barri ground, birds and sprays by Wale. #1329 wild rose and butterfly by Wale. #1964 flowers in enamel, bird in modelled raised colour by Wale. (Pattern #1547 is not described in the books.)

An account of Derby Crown Porcelain products of this period is contained in Cassell's 'Magazine of Art' for 1884: "Raised gold is a favourite form of decoration of the present factory. It combines nearly all the porcelain decorator's method of gaining richness of effect: opulent ground-colour, gold, burnished and dead, gem-like enamelling, and so forth." (Godden)

The factory mark and year cipher on the base dates these vases to 1884 (Twitchett) or 1887 (Godden). One vase is hand-inscribed with shape #370, described in the Derby book of shapes as "vase, with globe shaped body". Both vases have '1547/370/A' hand-written on the base (1547 being the pattern number) along with worker's symbols. By 1900 pattern numbers had reached 6000 and model numbers 1276 (Godden), an indication of the company's great success in exporting its high-end products to America.

Both vases are in excellent antique condition. Light wear to gilding on top edge of necks and handles; occasional surface scratches on ivory and rose groundlay at widest point. Interiors clean and enamelling bright and fine. Measure 6.25"H x 4.75" W.

REFERENCES: Geoffrey Godden VICTORIAN PORCELAIN' 1961. John Twitchett & Betty Bailey 'ROYAL CROWN DERBY' 1976. Geoffrey A Godden, Encyclopaedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks, 1964.

Item ID: RL139-AH3