What is a campana vase?

A campana vase takes the shape of an inverted bell, widely used during the Regency period for formal display. These vessels often sat on pedestals or formed part of a matched garniture. Potters favoured this classical silhouette because its wide mouth and tapering body offered an ideal canvas for hand-painted floral scenes.

How were spill vases used?

Spill vases held slender wooden spills used to transfer flames from a hearth fire to candles and lamps. They sat on mantelpieces within easy reach of the fireplace. Despite their practical original function, many surviving examples retain pristine interiors because owners valued them primarily as decorative ornaments.

Are these vases painted by hand?

The majority of pieces from this era feature detailed hand-painted botanical motifs executed by specialist ceramic artists. Artisans painted flowers directly onto the glazed porcelain surface before firing. Brushwork variation and fine details distinguish these hand-decorated works from later transfer-printed ceramics.