A Moorcroft mid size vintage vase in the Clematis pattern by Walter Moorcroft.
The height is 128mm (5.0 inch) the diameter (across the widest section of the body) 96mm (3.7 inch) and the weight 358 g.
Regarding age, it can be difficult to assess with absolute certainty as some production runs could be quite long, and it was not until 1990 that Moorcroft began using year cyphers to show when an item was actually made.
As there is no year cypher on the vase the latest possible date of manufacture would be c1989.
The MOORCROFT and MADE IN ENGLAND marks on the base and their positioning suggest an actual date range c1949 to 1986.
To narrow this down a little further the clematis pattern was first designed by William Moorcroft c1939 and initially only used on a few pieces. The pattern was developed into a full range by Walter Moorcroft from 1946 to 1975. Except for special orders production of the pattern ceased in 1983.
From the detail above it would be reasonable to assess the age of the vase as from c1949 to 1983.
The vase is clearly therefore of genuine vintage age.
The vase is in excellent overall condition. There is only mild crazing on the base and extremely fine crazing present on some areas of the decorated surface.
The Clematis design featuring pink and purple floral shades on the dark blue ground makes for a highly attractive item which should prove a worthy addition to many a collection of vintage Moorcroft pottery.
Given the size of the vase it may even be suitable to display as a stand alone item as well as part of a collection.
This vintage Moorcroft vase in the Clematis pattern is available online or at the Antiques Centre in York. If visiting the Centre in York please visit Cabinet 138 situated on the Lower Ground Floor to view other examples of Moorcroft pottery from early vintage pieces to more modern items.
