Antique Porcelain Vase on a Stem by G. Grainger, Worcester, C. 1850

George Grainger's Worcester porcelain manufactory is best known for its ornate wares with large cut-outs, popular in the mid-nineteenth century. This small vase, which we discovered, is a rare and authentic Granger piece made circa 1850. The pedestal vase is mounted on a triangular green plinth, with the body raised on three leaf-shaped feet. The vase is decorated with hand-painted oval gilt enamel panels featuring flowers on a white background. Additional panels depict mystical masked heads with golden horns. The neck of the vase, which widens towards the top, is adorned with a cut-out pattern that is richly gilded. The vase bears the very rare hallmark ‘G. Grainger, 19, Foregate, Worcester’.

Grainger's Worcester Porcelain Company was founded by Thomas Grainger and his partner John Wood in 1801. They initially began by decorating porcelain blanks made by other companies. By 1806, they had opened a shop on Foregate Street in Worcester. In 1807, Grainger & Wood began producing their own porcelain and quickly gained a strong reputation for creating both useful and decorative pieces. Rich patterns, such as Japanese-style Imari, and exquisite tea ware provided serious competition to other factories in the town. Exceptionally fine floral and landscape paintings, usually on classical vases, were also produced.

In 1839, following Thomas Grainger's death, his son George took control of the company and encouraged the production of elaborate decorative ware. During the 1830s and 1840s, Grainger adopted the Neo-Rococo style, producing a wide range of decorative vases, tea, and dessert wares. Characterised by extravagant shapes, bright, rich colors, and scrolled gilding, this revivalist style became fashionable among the rising class of industrialists who could afford to spend on their homes.

After George Grainger's death in 1889, the Grainger factory was sold to the Royal Worcester Company, which continued production at St. Martin's Gate until the factory closed in 1902. In the 1890s, Grainger's factory specialized in the production of painted display wares, ornate wares, and ivory porcelain in a style similar to Royal Worcester. Grainger's pierced wares were primarily the work of Alfred Barry. In 1902, many of Grainger's workers, including the famous Stinton family of artists, moved to the Royal Worcester factory. Even into the early 21st century, some moulds and designs from the Grainger factory were still being used by Royal Worcester.

Dimensions:

Height: 16 cm, Diameter: 9.2 cm

Condition:

A small part of the rim has been professionally restored. This is only visible when viewed from above. Otherwise, the vase is in excellent antique condition.

Please study the attached photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.