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An exceptional Worcester hexagonal vase and cover, circa 1758
Sold for £12,000 inc. premium
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Find your local specialistAn exceptional Worcester hexagonal vase and cover, circa 1758
Footnotes
This is the best example of this type of vase that Geoffrey Godden has ever seen. It is illustrated in his book English Blue and White Porcelain (2004),p.23, pl.9, alongside a much inferior specimen in order to emphasise the qualities this piece represents. The potting is thin with relatively little distortion. The cover fits very well and the blue is not blurred at all. A pair of vases of comparable quality that belonged to Dr Severne Mackenna was sold in these rooms on 10 December 1997, lot 348. Dr Mackenna illustrated these in his own book Worcester Porcelain (1950) pl. 11, describing them as 'Amongst the most beautiful of Worcester's blue-painted productions.... the decoration could not be improved'. The ultimate inspiration is probably Japanese Kakiemon vases of so-called 'Hampton Court' type. Worcester changed the proportions of the cover and flange of the Japanese shape, transforming the appearance. The decoration, especially the border design, is Chinese inspired and yet appears to be Worcester's own invention. It is the only blue and white pattern used on this shape of vase at Worcester and would be a credit to any manufactory.
