A Moorcroft vase in the Pansy design by William Moorcroft.
With a height of 20.8cm (8.18inch) and a weight of 0.8kg the vase presents as an impressive item.
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 early pansy pattern was introduced c1911 with further development taking place later. One of the reference books recommended by Moorcroft shows examples of this version of the pansy design typical of the 1920's/1930's which fits in nicely with the date assessment above.
Vintage and antique items may have imperfections due to the manufacturing processes of the day, usage perhaps over many years and how an item has been stored. Small surface marks etc may be present but any significant issues will always be highlighted in the description, and high quality images are provided. Of course any questions will be answered as accurately as possible.
This vase has been closely inspected and assessed as in excellent vintage/antique condition with no chips or cracks noted. To perhaps be over pedantic there is what might best be described as a 'pin prick' and a couple of tiny areas of minute paint unevenness around the rim but in reality given its age the condition is quite remarkable.
The vase seems virtually unaffected by crazing with only the very faint and reassuring 'micro crazing' normally present on these old pieces. 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.
There is a great deal of content in the design with the pansy pattern all around the outer surface. The colours remain bright and on the dark blue ground make for a very attractive item. Nb For clarification the ground colour is a dark blue and not black.
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 Pansy range, to a collection. Of course the size of the vase means it would very likely be suitable to display as a stand alone item as well as part of a collection.
While beautiful Moorcroft items are still been produced, antique and vintage items have an appeal of their own and indeed many are now part of collections. To be a custodian of such items is a responsibility but at the same time a responsibility which can give a collector a great deal of satisfaction.
This Moorcroft vase in the pansy design is available online only however if visiting the Antiques Centre in York please view Cabinet 138 situated on the Lower Ground Floor to view other examples of Moorcroft Pottery.
Nb. For this item the dealer offers postage to UK addresses only.
