A Christopher Dresser Model 24 vase, produced by Linthorpe Pottery in Middlesbrough, dating from circa 1882.

The vase has a deceptively simple bottle-shaped form, with a rounded body rising through a narrow shoulder into a long cylindrical neck. What transforms the piece are the deep irregular depressions worked around the body. These interrupt what would otherwise be a very simple symmetrical form and give the vase a much more sculptural appearance.

For us, the glaze is one of the most successful aspects of this particular example. It is an exceptionally deep blue, moving through shades of turquoise and almost black as it travels across the irregular surface. Around the upper neck the colour becomes noticeably lighter, while the interior provides a strong contrast in a warm ochre glaze.

The relationship between the form and glaze works extremely well. The depressions around the body catch and reflect the light differently as the vase is turned, while the variations within the glaze emphasise the uneven surface. Despite being only around 25 cm high, it has considerable presence.

Model 24 is a documented Christopher Dresser design for Linthorpe Pottery, with examples held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Met dates its closely related Model 24 vase to circa 1882.

Dresser's work for Linthorpe is some of his most interesting ceramic work. The relatively simple forms were combined with the experimental glazes for which the pottery became known, meaning that examples of the same model can have quite different surfaces and colours.

What we like about this example is that there is almost no applied decoration. The shape, the deep indentations and the extraordinary depth of the blue glaze do all the work. It is a piece that looks remarkably modern considering it was designed almost 150 years ago.

The vase has been carefully cleaned and is presented in very good antique condition. The variations in the glaze and surface associated with its manufacture and age have naturally been retained.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.