An elegant English bone china spill vase produced by Spode during the Regency period, circa 1820–1825. The trumpet-shaped form and richly coloured chinoiserie decoration reflect the strong influence of Chinese export porcelain on early 19th-century English decorative arts.Spill vases were designed for use beside the fireplace, where they held tightly rolled paper spills or wooden splints used for lighting candles and lamps. Their combination of practicality and decorative appeal made them highly fashionable Regency mantel ornaments.The body is decorated in documented Spode pattern no. 2975 with mandarin ducks among lotus flowers and green lily pads. Rich enamel colours of emerald green, iron red, yellow and cobalt blue are combined with delicate gilding. Raised pearl-beaded borders frame the rim and foot, while the lower section is finished with a pink geometric diaper ground.The underside bears the hand-painted pattern number 2975 in brownish-gilt enamel. The absence of a ...