Royal Worcester Pottery Blush Ivory Japonesque Libation Cup by Hadley c 1873 - Aesthetic Period 18th century Qing carved Chinese rhinoceros horn form

A rare Royal Worcester blush ivory earthenware libation cup in the form of a 18th century Qing carved Chinese rhinoceros horn. It was probably modelled by James Hadley based on examples from the collection of the Art Director Richard William Binns of the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. It dates from around 1873.

It is made with a flaring horn shaped body moulded in the form of a lotus leaf and decorated around the base with a lotus flower with a long scrolling stem wrapped around the base. There are applied moulded leaves and stems to the sides of the vessel. A large stem of a lotus flower in bud and a large leaf extending up the end of the vessel to form the handle. It is all supported on an integral simulated carved wooden scrolling stand made in the oriental style. The underside has a moulded detail of lotus stem and leaves to complete the simulation. 

All parts have the blush ivory palette with gilded highlights and enamelled flowers, stems, badges, mons and symbols adding to the opulent look.

This is an extremely decorative and very attractive antique example of Aesthetic movement pottery, in the Japanesque taste of the late mid 19th century Victorian period. From the famous Worcester Royal Porcelain Company manufactory, in Worcester, Worcestershire, England. The company is more often known as Royal Worcester. The base of the stand is marked with their standard impressed crowned mark.

The libation cup is generally in very good condition however, there is a filled and disguised (restored) chip to the rim and the "front" foot has been similarly "restored" along with a small filled chip to the base of the right rear foot. There are some minor losses to the enamel and a short firing tear in the inside of the body. There is some minor wear to the gilding.  Please see the images. Despite this damage, it displays beautifully. 

This is a stunning piece to add to any Worcester or Japanese collection and a beautiful display item.

Free UK and international postage with this item.

Height 5 1/4 inches ( 13.5 cm)
Width 5 1/4 inches ( 13.5 cm)
Length 8 inches ( 20.3 cm)
Weight 533 grammes unpacked

References

"RW Binns' Japanese Collection and Royal Worcester Japanesque" by John Sandon English Ceramic Circle 2018.

Sotheby's Hong Kong April 2018 sale lot 3655. A rhinoceros horn 'Lotus' libation cup, Qing dynasty, 17th-18th century; 18 cm,the flaring plain body in the form of a lotus, supported on a naturalistically carved base of ribbon-tied lotus buds and pods, the stems extending up the side of the vessel to form the handle.