An opaque white glass Vase, South Staffordshire, circa 1760

This small, opaque white glass vase has a globular body with a tall, straight neck, flared and flattened at the opening. The circular, spreading foot has a rough pontil mark. The shape is derived from a Chinese form.

South Staffordshire was a centre for the production of opaque white glass during the middle part of the 18th century. Some of these pieces are enamelled with chinoiserie subjects and themes. Rarely are they gilded, however this example has traces of unfired gilt decoration.

Provenance: An English Private Collection.

Condition: An effect similar to crazing on the spreading foot, which may date from manufacture, and wear to the original decoration. No damage or restoration.

Dimensions: Height 9.3 cm; Diameter (at base) 3.5 cm 

Sotheby’s Concise Encyclopedia of Glass, David Battie & Simon Cottle, Eds. (Conran Octopus, 1995).

Old Glass, O.N. Wilkinson (Ernest Benn Limited, 1968).

For examples of opaque white glass vases of this type, including a ribbed vase, and decorated with enamels, see the Corning Museum of Glass, New York (Accession Nos. 86.2.11, 86.2.12, and 91.2.6). The V&A Museum, London, has an opaque white glass vase and cover with unfired gilding applied in the Giles studio (C.667&A-1921).

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