A large and impressive 'trumpet shape' early Burslem Pomegranate & Fruit Banded vase by William Moorcroft, circa 1916. On an overall classic olive green ground, a single white band approximately 1½ inches wide with intricately painted Pomegranates, Pears, Grapes and leaves. The band shows a total of four Pomegranates, two of which are open showing their seeds, four Pears and a profusion of grapes and leaves all beautifully painted in stunning detail
The base of the vase has the Moorcroft Burslem England backstamp dating it to 1916 and William Moorcroft's full signature written by him in fine green glaze, along with the impressed shape number. The vase is approximately 9 inches (23cm) high by 6 inches (15cm) maximum diameter across the rim, and is in beautiful condition with no chips, cracks or restoration and a very light overall crazing to the clear overglaze which is expected with a vase from this era. One point to note is that there is a small glaze pop about 1cm from the rim (see photographs above) which on inspection has been caused by ash from the kiln, the remnant of the ash is still adhered into the glaze; all part of the character of a piece hand-fired in a wood and coke kiln.
An unusual shape vase with a rare pattern produced by Moorcroft in his early years at Cobridge, the quality and intricacy of the Pomegranate design in the panels is quite stunning. A worthy addition to a collection of early Moorcroft, and this vase can be seen illustrated on page 113 of 'Moorcroft; 1897-1993 New Edition by Paul Atterbury'
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