An opaque white glass Vase, South Staffordshire, circa 1760
This small, opaque white glass vase has a globular body with a tall, straight neck. It is ribbed vertically throughout with 18 ribs. It has an applied circular foot with 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 in imitation of those found on contemporary Staffordshire salt-glazed stoneware and English porcelain. Indeed, it is likely that itinerant artists from the neighbouring Longton Hall and Worcester porcelain manufactories also decorated opaque white glass.
Provenance: An English Private Collection.
Condition: Minute surface abbrasions and a tiny manufacturing flaw to the body. No restoration.
Dimensions: Height 10.2 cm; Diameter (at base) 4 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).