Derby Porcelain Vase Hand Painted Angel of Peace - W Lambert - Old Crown Derby China Works King Street William Larcombe period Antique circa 1915 20cm

An antique early twentieth century porcelain vase that has been beautifully hand painted in delicate polychrome enamel colours on the front with a classical winged angel in ethereal robes holding olive branches in her right hand and a dove perched on the back of her left hand. 

The vase has an outwardly tapering cylindrical body from a narrow gilded foot rim to a wide shoulder just below the narrower gilded neck rim. The vase has a graduated black to dark green enamel ground. The front has the Angel and the back is painted with two doves sat on a branch of an olive tree. 

The painted scene to the front of the vase has the artists name W. Lambert painted to the bottom left corner, possibly a freelance china painter, gilder and decorator. The base of the vase has the monogram mark of William Larcombe who took over the King Street, Old Crown Derby China Works vases from the family of Sampson Hancock in 1915 and was later joined by Captain Francis Howard Paget as a partner in 1917. We believe that this vase dates to the early part of the Larcombe period circa 1915. The symbolism of the Angel may have a Christian Faith link as well as a possible link to the First World War or Great War as a symbol of peace. 

This vase was acquired along with a number of other items decorated by W. Lambert. These include a pair of vases signed and dated 1870, another William Larcombe period King Street Old Crown Derby China Works vase, an earlier King Street Nolan Amphora shaped vase decorated with Paris and Oenone and some Bishop and Stonier cups and saucers that had obviously been originally purchased in the white and later decorated. 

It is possible that W. Lambert may have been related to the notable China Artist George Lambert  who worked for the Derby Crown Porcelain Company set up in 1876 by Edward Phillips and William Litherland, this company later became the Royal Crown Derby Company. (Ref 1)

This lovely antique English pottery vase is made of  a  dense opaque porcelain from the Derby porcelain works from the Old Crown Derby China Works in King Street, Derby, Derbyshire, England in the early 20th century circa 1915.

Condition: It is in excellent antique condition with no chips cracks nor restoration however, it has some minor rubbing the the enamel ground and a gilded over fired chip to the foot. The inside of the vase has been painted with with a brown enamel to tone it with the outside of the vase.. Please see the images.

This is an extremely attractive item for display and perfect for a mantle shelf, side table or a sideboard. Suitable for a Derby porcelain collector, anyone interested in Angels, Christianity or First World War memorabilia or antique 20th century George V period ceramics. 

The vase is 
8 inches (20.3 cm) high 
4  inches (10 cm) body diameter
2 7/8 inches (7.2 cm) foot diameter.
It weights 559 grammes unpacked

References:

1. Derby Porcelain Society website.