A Moorcroft vase in the Pomegranate design by William Moorcroft.
The height is 131mm (5.15 inch) and the diameter (across the widest section of the body) 95mm (3.74 inch).
The impressed MOORCROFT and MADE IN ENGLAND stamps on the base along with the impressed shape identification number indicate a date range c1918 to 1926. Nb referral to reference book advises there are similar to stamps found from 1926 to 1928 but without the shape identification number due to a change in the manufacturing process.
The Pomegranate design was introduced 1910 i.e. while William Moorcroft was still with the James Macintyre works but was continued by him when he set up his own factory at Cobridge on the outskirts of Burslem in 1913. Pomegranate became Moorcroft's most successful design and continued to be produced until the latter part of the 1930's with design updates along the way.
Antique and vintage items may have small imperfections and/or idiosyncrasies due to the manufacturing processes of the day, usage perhaps over many years and how an item has been stored but any significant issues will always be highlighted in the description. High quality images are provided and of course any questions will be answered as accurately as possible.
This vase has been closely inspected and assessed as in excellent antique/vintage condition with no chips, cracks, repairs or restoration identified. Under a loupe glass the faint overall crazing typically found on antique and vintage Moorcroft pottery can be seen.
Interestingly, on their website Moorcroft advise their pottery is made from porous earthenware and crazing is just part of the normal ageing process. They talk about how this natural crazing is used by antiques salerooms to help establish the vintage of an item, and identify any restoration. Indeed, when checking for areas of possible repairs or restoration, looking for interruptions to those fine crazing patterns can be a very useful tool for a collector.
There is a great deal of content in the design on this vase with the four closed and one open pomegranate accompanied by grapes and foliage all around the outer surface. Little wonder this design was and remains so popular.
The colours remain bright and on the dark blue ground make for a very attractive item.
An opportunity for a collector to add a piece of vintage, and possibly antique (based on the 100 year old definition) Moorcroft pottery, from the highly collectable pomegranate range, to a collection. Of course given its size the vase might just be considered large enough to display as a stand alone item.
This Moorcroft vase in the pomegranate design is only available by online order, however if visiting the Antiques Centre in York please view Cabinet 138 which can be found on the Lower Ground Floor, where other pieces of Moorcroft Pottery can be viewed.
