THE IMPERIAL VASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8779, 16 November 1906, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL VASE.

This vase is purely an Exhibition show piece of pottery, and is illustrative of the most difficult and the most beautiful kinds of _ work done in the Worcester potteries. It is emblematic of the British Empire. . The foot and plinth, surrounded by a massive gold cable and supported by four dolphins, signify naval power, as binding together the tour chief ; colonies beyond the seas — India, Australasia, Candida ,and South Africa. A lion's head supports each handle, bearing in his. mouth the laurel, symbolic of victory and power. The English oak and acom occur in the cup supporting the body, and are repeated in the embossment of the neck, together with the national symbols, Rose, Shamrock, Thistle and Leek. The cover is surmounted by the .Imperial crown, surrounded by a border of Tudor roses.

The body of the vase supports two panels, enclosing portraits of the King and Queen in their coronation robes, from drawings made by a ' celebrated artist. From between them hangs the " Georgfc," in relief and colour, while surmounting them is the head of Britannia, with steel and gold casque, and bearing upon her breaet a ruby heart, signifying the love of the people for the Throne.

The back of the vase has the Roy^l Arms richly blazoned, enclosed in a finely modelled frame. , The body of the vase is decorated with a ground of the much-sought-after Bcale blue, and the remainder of the pieo© is finished in blue, white and gold.

The height is 26|iu diameter of foot Bin, and at base of* handles' 12in.

The vase is being shown in the Royal Worcester exhibit, of which Messrs J. Bates and Co. are the supervisees.