A Rare William De Morgan Merton Abbey Vase

This stunning, simple vase of shouldered form is painted with stylised carnation flowers in a ruby, red lustre on a white ground with the impressed Merton Abbey “Mason” mark to base. Only 12 cm high and with chips to the rim and tiny, burst glaze bubbles to the body this vase has the presence and stature of larger vases in far better condition.

The decoration is similar to the “Moffatt” pattern in tiles from this period and, as noted by Jon Catleugh in his book on William De Morgan’s tiles: “A great many of the flower patterns were also adapted for us on three-dimensional surfaces, particularly those with a dominant central motif that could be placed two, three or four times round the surface of the pot, with the intervening spaces filled in with leaves and flowers, a useful economy of the designer’s time.”

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A William De Morgan "BBB" Tile

William De Morgan (1839 – 1917) a friend of William Morris was a real revolutionary in terms of design but largely self taught in ceramics and glaze effects. Despite this he quickly established himself as one of the greatest artist/potters of the period. His work is now highly prized and widely collected. The vast majority of his work was designing and manufacturing exquisitely decorated tiles but he also produced richly decorated vases and chargers.

This example is a stunning early Fulham period Sands End (1888 - 1897) six inch tile in the fabulous "BBB" design in a turquoise and mulberry colour way.

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