Terms and conditions of use
Spill vase
(c. 1880)
Medium
porcelain
Measurements
28.3 × 13.0 × 11.8 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
The Dr Robert Wilson Collection. Gift of Dr Robert Wilson, 2012
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This cylindrical vase was used for holding spills – long, thin tapers of wood or rolled paper that were used to transfer the flame from a fire to light candles and pipes. As such, spill vases generally sat on the mantlepiece. The cylindrical form is taken from Chinese brush holders that were part of the accoutrements on a scholar’s desk and would have held brushes used for calligraphy. The Worcester vase imitates ivory and has a double wall, the outer wall decoratively cut out with Japanese motifs including the ‘three friends of winter’ – plum blossom, pine and bamboo. The base of the vase imitates a Chinese bronze mount.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Worcester, England
Inscription
printed in puce on base c.l.: (crown) / (crescent) 51 (within four interlocking Ws) (all in a circle)
Accession Number
2012.112
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited