A Troika 4½ inch (11.5cm) diameter Wheel Vase decorated by Jane Fitzgerald (later Parsons), who worked at the Troika Newlyn pottery between 1976 and 1983.
This vase is decorated in what has become to be known as the Crucifix or 'alien figure' pattern. The front or main side appears to show a humanoid figure with long arms outstretched. Above the head is a crescent with a circle and triangle, possibly depicting sun, moon and stars? The reverse has a deeply moulded semicircle and rectangle. Pattern highlights are picked out in dark and light browns with a slight hint of blue glaze, the base colour being a biscuit beige colour.The interior of the vase is as usuall in bright white titanium tin glaze.
The 1970's were full of UFO stories with the west country having more than its fair share. Perhaps this was the inspiration for this particular pattern? Or perhaps it's just an abstract design with no real symbology! We like to think it's the former.
The base carries the standard hand painted Troika mark and the JF monogram for Jane Fitzgerald. The vase is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks or restoration, and would make a stunning addition to any Troika collection.
Stolen from Long Street Antiques, Tetbury, Friday 26th August 2011
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