Vase

Toft, Charles (attributed to) 1831 - 1909

Summary

Public: Vase, parian porcelain, in the shape of a mosque lamp, painted with an Islamic-inspired pattern in coloured slips and gilding. Private: Vase shape based on an Islamic mosque lamp with pear shaped body set on flared foot, long flaring neck and six small loop handles at the junction of main body and neck. Decorated with an Islamic-inspired pattern in coloured slips and gilding. Body divided into six slightly spiralling sections. Three illustrate pink carnations and leaves with blue and white flowers (forget-me-not?) edged in gilding on a dark green ground. These alternate with three in black with swathes of turquoise and gilded stars. The base of the main body is encircled by a band of green lappets, each lappet with a stylized floral motif in pink. The six semi-circular decorative gilded handles each have a relief pink spot and are set on a gilded band. Beaded chain design in gilt runs down the vase dividing each section and there are further bands of gilding around the foot and rim, with geometric decoration.