Description: Antique Gaudy Welsh earthenware ceramic Trumpet Vase. C 1840-1880. Ref. OR-44
Maker: Possibly Staffordshire, England
Date: 1840-1880 estimated.
History: It is estimated that only about 15% of Gaudy Welsh was actually produced in Wales, the majority being from the Staffordshire potteries The main colours seen in the Gaudy Welsh were shades of orange and cobalt blue coupled with a copper or gold gilding. Later green, yellow, pink and turquoise colours were introduced. The earliest pattern was the Tulip with the Oyster pattern not far behind. However, all in all, there are around 400 known patterns in existence. All the pieces were hand painted, a bit of a challenge as the Cobalt Blue started off as a dirty brown colour when applied and the enamels and gilding were virtually almost translucent. The true colours only appeared after firing in the kiln. Most of the decorating was preformed by women and young children. Gaudy Welsh was primarily produced as a cheap ceramic for the masses. The designs were often simplistic, and, to minimise the number of firings, the colours chosen were those that fired at approximately the same temperatures. Small leaves and fine painting took time as well as the need to use more colours. In the case of the vase offered, notice it only has two colours and some gilding. Economy, economy, economy was the main ingredient. Earthenware was used, it was cheap and durable. The main period of production was between 1820-1860
Marks/Observations: Decorated with cobalt blue and burnt orange and finished with gold gilt detailing. This is, I believe, the Oyster Pattern. Interestingly, although the majority of Gaudy Welsh was unmarked, the vase may have been for the export market and shows a orange coloured Crown back stamp. No makers name and I have been unable to trace the manufacturer. Articles for export were usually stamped. The vase would have been a moulded piece, that is, it was made by pressing the clay into two halves of a mould and then joined together. You can see this by the uneven finish on the inside. The two handles were made separately and then fixed to the sides of the vase. Look carefully, and you will notice how crooked they are!! This, together with the decoration in only two colours and gilding points to an early production.
Condition: Overall, good, although there has been a fair loss of the gilding. But, as this was applied on top of the glaze, it is only to be expected. The vase shows a slightly embossed base and the Crown back stamp with a pattern number and what appears to be a very faint R13
Dimensions: The vase stands 31 cm high and has a diameter at the base of 15 cm.
Price: R350.00
Shipping: R150.00 by courier to your physical address
