A Minton majolica large 'Chinese Bottle' vase, 1860s

formed as a turquoise-glazed amphora supported in a black-glazed simulated carved and lacquered wood stand. Minor restoration.

Two drawings by Christopher Dresser of similar 'Chinese Bottle' vases are illustrated by Joan Jones, Minton The First Two Hundred Years of Design & Production, p. 89, who explains that Dresser received permission to make detailed drawings of some of the Japanese exhibits at the London International Exhibition of 1862. These drawings appear to be the inspiration for the design of the present piece. A vase of this form with a textured turquoise glaze was sold in these rooms, March 11, 1997, lot 293.