Posted 5 years ago
Mae76
(10 items)
After long last, I think i have managed to i.d. this ewer as Minton, based on two other matching bodies, but not matching decoration or impressed marks. From my original post, I have included images of the very hard to see markings underneath. It seems the biggest character is an old fashioned capital S, or the Minton date cipher for 1854, a sloppy,overturned "s" shape--attenuated, not like a font type. The others are a small upper case serif F, the numbers 596 in an archaic serifed form (think late 19th century railroad numbers on the side of a train. Heavy thicks and thins.) And the real hair-puller, a mark that resembles all of the following: a stylized H monogram, possibly a designer? An earlier Minton date mark that resembles a doubled/mirrored fleur de lis, a Cyrillic "Zhe" (the 'X' with additional line through the center giving it three legs top and bottom.) A stylized fleur de lis. I now believe this is the date marks. It matches the 1859 Minton mark.
Besides the marks, the piece is magnificent. Smooth body and super clear raised jewel-like application of slip and perfect symmetry and airy balance throughout. Now that I have identified two other matches for shape, almost certainly Minton pieces, how do i proceed? Searching for any old Minton or Copeland geniuses. Can't match the marks/decorators. Much appreciated!!
I now think it's a Parian ware ewer, and I should have used the term moriage to describe the slip work. But I still have no idea what it is, where it's from or how old. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
I am probably late in posting this. The ewer is from Copeland - no question. It is of a form called the Madras shape which was first shown in 1851 at the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park (the actual original exhibit is currently in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK) This decorated parian ewer almost certainly dates from the period around 1855 to 1857 in my opinion as the design elements are very close to those used by Goss who was the chief designer at Copeland at that time. There is article published in the Journal of The Spode Society relating to this very design. I would urge those that have an interest in ceramics of this period to consider joining the society.
@potaholic123 THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I am aware of the Copeland ewer in this shape, (yup, the great exhibition) but Minton ALSO used this shape too. The Met has an example designed by Christopher Dresser. I wish I had the ability to add an image for you. HOWEVER, you sound like you know a lot about this niche and I am happy to go with your advice. I am off to look up Goss as soon as I'm done here. Please, if you have any recommendations for someone to appraise it, please advise. I am unsure of where to turn for advice on cleaning it and I'm in desperate need of a value for insurance (and curiosity) purposes. Anaylor10 at yahoo dot com if you're able to give me a few more minutes of your time.
I sent a separate email regarding this ewer. I also have been doing a little more checking. I have an example of the Madras shape from the Minton slip cast mould. The best method to differentiate from Copeland is to measure the dimensions of the foot rim. Minton approx : 9 mm high, 75 mm diameter. Copeland approx 6 mm high, 89 mm diameter. This will be conclusive. Cleaning, on unglazed parian I use gel toothpaste (i e non abrasive) This can also be used (with great care) on enamel decoration if there is a build up of greasy deposits. Never use anything on gilding though as being gold, it is soft and very prone to wear.
Oh! I need to check my inbox! I can't thank you enough for your help, when I get a chance to measure the piece's relevant parts, I will post back here. Can't wait to get the specs!!
To any who may be following this mystery, @potaholic123 gave me dimensions to determine whether the piece is Copeland or Minton. The size can't lie! It's Minton!! Also, he told me that this likely had a matching ewer with the royal lady (queen/empress/duchess, can't remember who they are off the top) done in a facing "cameo" on the matching piece. Wish I had both!
finally you got it it is Minton and so nice
I replied you very kind comment on my post
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/244419-wilhelm-ss-karlsruhe-majolica-joyful-b#comment-1408682
I apologized for taking my time to do it.
@Kivatinitz Thanks for your response, I will check your other reply, too.
Cheers!
Mae