This elegant work of Art Deco design is by British pottery Phoenix Works (e. 1879 - d.1956) that was founded by Thomas Forester in 1879. The pottery famously received an order for 8,000 pieces, the largest order (in 1881) ever to be given to a Staffordshire pottery manufacturer up to then. This particular piece comes from the Verdant series with a stylised glaze décor reflecting the series' inspiration. The hand-applied Milk Chocolate brown tube-lining is very tactile with edges lightly trailing into the splendidly vibrant Pale Mint green backdrop. The form is of a round-edged hexagonal neck that beautifully juxtaposes against the flat-sphere base it sits upon, firmly displaying the architectural Art Deco design influences. The combination of the form, colour palette, décor and condition makes this piece a particularly rare find.
This excellent work is stylistically timeless but is yet also very Art Deco, making this piece suitable for standalone display or functionally as a vase or small planter.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is natural and mild crazing all over the body of each piece as well as light use-wear on the interior that is commensurate with age. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the 'TF&S, Made in England, Phoenix' [Thomas Forester & Sons] stamp in use from 1925, however, only the series name 'Verdant' is largely legible.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.7" / 12 cm tall (from rim to base) x c. 7.8" / 19.7 cm wide (across widest point). Depth: c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm. Rim measurements: c. 4.8" / 12.3 cm. Base measurements: c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm. Weight: c. 0.8 kg / 775 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Thomas Forester & sons was originally founded as Phoenix Works founded by Thomas Forester in Staffordshire, UK in 1879. The pottery rapidly expanded and by 1881, pottery famously received an order for 8,000 pieces, the largest order (in 1881) ever to be given to a Staffordshire pottery manufacturer up to then. By 1893, the pottery was recorded as employing 520 people with renowned artists such as Thomas Dean (who also designed for Minton, Wedgwood and Spode/Copeland) designing for them.
The pottery became known for an exceptionally wide range of Majolica and art pottery that in present day, has sadly been overlooked.