Object Description
Pair of antique Victorian Royal Worcester painted and gilt porcelain vases
English, 1880
Height 30cm, diameter 15cm
Produced by the Royal Worcester porcelain factory, this pair of ornate conical vases reflects the sophistication and artistry of late Victorian design. Founded in 1751, Royal Worcester quickly established itself as one of England’s premier porcelain manufactories, admired for the finesse of its hand-painted decoration and the exceptional quality of its gilding. By the 1880s, the factory’s name was synonymous with refinement, innovation, and desirability among collectors across Europe and beyond.
Each vase rises gracefully from a circular foot to a slender neck and flared rim, the clean silhouette enhanced by richly worked decoration. The porcelain surface is painted with sprays of soft floral blossoms, interwoven with large begonia leaves rendered in coloured enamels and overlaid with fine gilding. The gilded detailing shimmers in the light, providing a striking contrast to the smooth white ground. This interplay of naturalistic painting and ornamental luxury reflects Royal Worcester’s signature harmony of decoration and form.
The bases are stamped with the Royal Worcester mark and dated 1880 as well as stamped with the shape number 583.
Their harmonious proportions and refined decoration give them a timeless versatility, equally suited to traditional or modern interiors.