This pair of English Art Nouveau vases presents sculptural Chinoiserie decor. The carved bas relief scene wraps around the vase like a lacquered Chinese screen. Scrolling "whiplash" handles appear to be riveted to the vase. Brown, tan and black glazing create an understated color palette on an otherwise ambitiously designed vase. Domestically-produced pieces, like these, helped satisfy the English desire for exotic Oriental ceramics (which were very costly and well out-of-reach of most Brits). Made by Bretby (founded 1882 in Woodville, Derbyshire). (10" x 7" at widest point) ap12960e
c. 1900
