Object Description
A rare and stunning Doulton Lambeth Art Nouveau vase decorated with gothic styled grotesque masks by Mark V Marshall and dated 1907. The large stoneware vase is of rounded bulbous shape and is relief decorated with two brown glazed grotesque masks to either side set against a mottled green ground with a stylized scrolling ribbon and floral design picked out in tones of lilac and brown. The vase Has impressed Royal Doulton marks along with M.V.M. initials for Mark V Marshall along with an incised H mark probably for Jane Hurst. The vase also has an impressed date shield mark with the letter h dating the vase to 1907.
Mark V Marshall worked at Doulton Lambeth between 1878 and 1912 and previously worked as a stone carver on Victorian Gothic revival churches. He had also worked assisting the Martin Brothers. His most sought after pieces tend to reflect both of these early influences and this is a very good example of both the gothic style combined with the Martin Brothers early grotesque work.