What defines Victorian Persian-style ceramic wares?

During the late Victorian period, English potteries adapted Islamic and Persian motifs, incorporating intricate floral decoration, arabesques, and vibrant glaze palettes onto traditional western vessel shapes.

What materials and techniques were used in 19th-century Wedgwood decorative vases?

These vessels typically featured fine earthenware or china bodies, decorated with hand-applied glazes, gilded accents, transferred panels, and raised slipwork or relief moulding.

How do you identify authentic late 19th-century Wedgwood pottery?

Authentic pieces generally bear impressed or printed Wedgwood maker marks on the base, often accompanied by date codes, pattern numbers, or artist monograms.

How can an antique ceramic vase be styled in modern interiors?

Display the vase as a standalone statement piece on a fireplace mantel, side console, or bookshelf to provide historical contrast against modern minimalist backdrops.

How should antique gilded ceramic vases be cleaned and maintained?

Dust gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive pads, or immersion in water which can degrade the delicate gilt and hand-painted glaze.

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Persian Style Vase

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Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

Name: Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1128731
Price: 800 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

Antique Wedgwood Earthenware Vase, Persian Style, Designed by Thomas Allen, 1887

A rare and exquisite Wedgwood earthenware vase, designed by Thomas Allen in October 1887 during his tenure as art director at Wedgwood. This piece exemplifies the fusion of European craftsmanship with Persian artistic influences, reflecting the growing fascination with Oriental aesthetics in late 19th-century Europe.

The vase features a refined baluster form with an elongated neck, lending it an elegant and striking silhouette. The base is adorned with relief panels, depicting Persian infantry, war elephants, and chariots drawn by deer, set against an ivory-toned background. The body is richly decorated with polychrome-painted panels, featuring figural medallions, intricate floral motifs, and classical ornamentation characteristic of Persian design.

The base bears the impressed "WEDGWOOD" mark and the dating code "OKP", confirming its late 19th-century production and enhancing its artistic and historical value. Pieces of this calibre are highly sought after by museums, collectors, and antique ceramics researchers.

Historical Background

During the second half of the 19th century, a growing interest in Oriental aesthetics led many European manufacturers to produce wares in the "Persian style". Wedgwood was among the leading firms embracing this movement, producing numerous examples of "Persian ware", documented in period catalogues and museum collections. These works are typically attributed to the 1870s–1880s (late Victorian era).

Thomas Allen, one of the most celebrated ceramic artists of the 19th century, joined Wedgwood as art director in 1876, after working for Minton. Under his direction, Wedgwood expanded its range of artistic ceramics, introducing Persian-inspired motifs, floral patterns, vibrant colour accents, gold embellishments, and occasionally craquelure surfaces. Some of his designs also feature multi-figure reliefs, often depicting pastoral or genre scenes influenced by Persian and Islamic decorative traditions. His works are now held in collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, the company is one of the most prestigious names in British ceramics, renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship, and enduring designs. Wedgwood received numerous royal commissions, including a Royal Warrant from Queen Charlotte, earning the title of "Potter to Her Majesty." Over the centuries, Wedgwood has garnered multiple awards for its exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Measurements

Height: 34.3 cm

Neck Diameter: 7 cm

Base Diameter: 10.5 cm

Widest Diameter: 18 cm

Weight: 1251 g

Condition

Very good antique condition. Minor gold scuffs on the upper and lower part of the neck, but otherwise, the colours remain vibrant, and the vase is exceptionally well-preserved. Please carefully review all photos as they form an integral part of the description.

Shipping & Packaging

Shipped fully tracked and insured.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Physical Dimensions

Height

34.3cm (13.50")

Width

18cm (7.09")

Depth

18cm (7.09")

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Wedgwood Ceramic Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1128731

Description

Antique Wedgwood Earthenware Vase, Persian Style, Designed by Thomas Allen, 1887

“

A rare and exquisite Wedgwood earthenware vase, designed by Thomas Allen in October 1887 during his tenure as art director at Wedgwood.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

This piece exemplifies the fusion of European craftsmanship with Persian artistic influences, reflecting the growing fascination with Oriental aesthetics in late 19th-century Europe.

fig 1. A late 19th-century Wedgwood ceramic vase featuring a slender neck, bulbous body decorated with classical cartouches and gilt details, resting on a carved relief base. — fig 1. Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

The vase features a refined baluster form with an elongated neck, lending it an elegant and striking silhouette. The base is adorned with relief panels, depicting Persian infantry, war elephants, and chariots drawn by deer, set against an ivory-toned background. The body is richly decorated with polychrome-painted panels, featuring figural medallions, intricate floral motifs, and classical ornamentation characteristic of Persian design.

fig 2. A late 19th-century Wedgwood ceramic vase featuring a slender neck, bulbous body decorated with classical cartouches and gilt details, resting on a carved relief base. — fig 2. Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

The base bears the impressed "WEDGWOOD" mark and the dating code "OKP", confirming its late 19th-century production and enhancing its artistic and historical value. Pieces of this calibre are highly sought after by museums, collectors, and antique ceramics researchers.

fig 3. A late 19th-century Wedgwood ceramic vase featuring a slender neck, bulbous body decorated with classical cartouches and gilt details, resting on a carved relief base. — fig 3. Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

Historical Background

During the second half of the 19th century, a growing interest in Oriental aesthetics led many European manufacturers to produce wares in the "Persian style". Wedgwood was among the leading firms embracing this movement, producing numerous examples of "Persian ware", documented in period catalogues and museum collections. These works are typically attributed to the 1870s–1880s (late Victorian era).

fig 4. A late 19th-century Wedgwood ceramic vase featuring a slender neck, bulbous body decorated with classical cartouches and gilt details, resting on a carved relief base. — fig 4. Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

Thomas Allen, one of the most celebrated ceramic artists of the 19th century, joined Wedgwood as art director in 1876, after working for Minton. Under his direction, Wedgwood expanded its range of artistic ceramics, introducing Persian-inspired motifs, floral patterns, vibrant colour accents, gold embellishments, and occasionally craquelure surfaces. Some of his designs also feature multi-figure reliefs, often depicting pastoral or genre scenes influenced by Persian and Islamic decorative traditions. His works are now held in collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum.

fig 5. A late 19th-century Wedgwood ceramic vase featuring a slender neck, bulbous body decorated with classical cartouches and gilt details, resting on a carved relief base. — fig 5. Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, the company is one of the most prestigious names in British ceramics, renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship, and enduring designs. Wedgwood received numerous royal commissions, including a Royal Warrant from Queen Charlotte, earning the title of "Potter to Her Majesty." Over the centuries, Wedgwood has garnered multiple awards for its exceptional design and craftsmanship.

fig 6. A late 19th-century Wedgwood ceramic vase featuring a slender neck, bulbous body decorated with classical cartouches and gilt details, resting on a carved relief base. — fig 6. Wedgwood Antique Persian Style Oriental Vase, Thomas Allen Design, 1887

Measurements

Height: 34.3 cm

Neck Diameter: 7 cm

Base Diameter: 10.5 cm

Widest Diameter: 18 cm

Weight: 1251 g

Condition

Very good antique condition. Minor gold scuffs on the upper and lower part of the neck, but otherwise, the colours remain vibrant, and the vase is exceptionally well-preserved. Please carefully review all photos as they form an integral part of the description.

Shipping & Packaging

Shipped fully tracked and insured.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Physical Dimensions

Height

34.3cm (13.50")

Width

18cm (7.09")

Depth

18cm (7.09")

Date of Manufacture