Object Description
An impressive 19th century terracotta scale Warwick Vase standing on a weathered terracotta pedestal. Stamped ‘Blanchard & Co’, this particular design features in their 1869 illustrated catalogue of Beautiful Works of Art: Terracotta (pictured), so we are confident that it dates from this period. Though smaller than the original, this Warwick Vase is of impressive scale, standing at 1.5m tall.
It comprises of 2 components: the decorative vase and its pedestal. The vase is detailed with an egg and dart moulded rim above male and female masks among vine leaves, berries and scrolls in high relief and entwined handles as it is in the original.
The pedestal is simpler, featuring moulded wreath decoration, elevating the urn to eye level so that its grandeur can be closely observed. It is approximately 160 years old and as such features age-related weathering, chips, losses and historic restorations, each adding to the time-worn appeal of the piece.
Core details of the vase remain intact making it instantly recognisable as the famous Warwick Vase.
Provenance
This terracotta Warwick Vase and pedestal was sourced from Bodfach Hall, a historic country house with expansive grounds in the heart of the Welsh Marches. It resided here in the gardens until recently as an impressive late 19th century item of statuary.
The Warwick Vase
The original Warwick Vase, often closely associated with the Albani Vase, on which this terracotta version is based is thought to originate from as early as the 2nd century. However, its known history dates back the 1770s. Scottish painter Gavin Hamilton unearthed what is now the Warwick Vase while carrying out a series of excavations at the site of Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, 15 miles east of Rome.
Then only pieces, these were given to Sir William Hamilton and by 1775, the Warwick Vase was restored, set into Carrara marble and given a new carved socle. The vase was sent to England and passed on to Sir William’s nephew, the 2nd Earl of Warwick, standing proudly in the courtyard of Warwick Castle before being transferred into a specially built greenhouse where it remained until 1977.
Today, the original Warwick Vase resides in Glasgow, forming part of the Burrell Collection.
Additional Dimensions
Pedestal: H 83 cm x W 65 cm x D 65 cm (32.68 x 25.59 x 25.59 in)
Vase: H 67 cm x W 115cm x D 74 cm (26.38 x 45.28 x 29.13 in)
Image source: ‘The Warwick Vase. A beautiful example, reduced from the original at Warwick Castle, by special permission, is a finely executed work, and unequalled’ from Blanchard, Sons, and Co.’s Illustrated Catalogue of Beautiful Works of Art, 1869.