18 May 2011
10:30 BST
London, New Bond Street
Fine British Pottery and Porcelain
Back to auction 19105
Fine British Pottery and Porcelain
Back to auction 19105
A magnificent Minton pâte-sur-pâte vase by Charles Toft, circa 1880
In the Islamic taste, Of amphora shape with two loop handles, on a circular foot, decorated in polychrome pâte-sur-pâte using an extensive range of different coloured clay with panels on both sides of flamboyant floral sprays in classical urns, further panels of tulips on the necks, the background with a meticulous trellis and floret pattern and Aesthetic Movement style half-sunflower motifs, signed in the decoration 'C.TOFT', the vase 40cm high, unmarked, mounted on a turned black wood plinth (some wear to the gilding)
Sold for
£16,800
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Provenance: The Bernard Bumpus Collection. Charles Toft Senior was a most accomplished ceramicist, working initially for Kerr and Binns in Worcester and subsequently he was based in the Potteries providing work for Minton, Wedgwood and for other makers on a freelance basis. His most important work was for Minton. According to Frederick Rhead, while at the Minton factory Toft was a highly respected figure, 'entrusted with all the potting that required special care or skill'. As well as the Henri Deux ware, for which he is best known (see the following lot), Toft created a number of magnificent vases in pâte-sur-pâte. Very different to Solon's work, Toft's productions were generally described in the Minton archives as 'painted in relief' although the term pâte-sur-pâte is also occasionally used. A Large vase in the Islamic style by Charles Toft was in the Minton Museum collection, sold in these rooms 4 October 2004, lot 60. Another is illustrated by Bernard Bumpus, pâte-sur-pâte (1992), pl. 70.
Category: Decorative Arts / British Ceramics
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Customer Services (UK)
Bonhams
Work
WorkTel:
+44 20 7447 7447
FaxFax: +44 20 7447 7401
Customer Services