How do I display an art deco ceramic urn?

Position larger baluster vessels and jardinières on sturdy surfaces where their geometric forms and metallic glazes catch the light. They suit minimalist settings where their strong silhouettes can act as focal points. Smaller miniature flower holders look effective grouped on mantels or open shelving. Ensure they sit safely away from heavy household traffic to protect their delicate enamel surfaces.

Were these vessels used for flowers?

Many pieces served a dual purpose as functional flower holders and purely decorative mantel ornaments. Large baluster jars and covered vases often accommodated dried or fresh stems during the interwar period. Some substantial jardinières functioned primarily as plant pots for indoor ferns and palms. Others remained strictly ornamental, designed to showcase the artistic skill of the pottery.

How can I tell the 1920s pieces apart?

Examine the base for factory backstamps, potters' monograms, and handwritten pattern numbers typical of British and French potteries. Stylistic clues such as stylised fauna, fish motifs, and bold geometric borders point directly to the 1920s and 1930s. Lustre effects and cobalt blue grounds also help identify specific periods. Compare the glazing techniques against documented works by designers from the same decade.