A George III gilt metal mounted bluejohn vase circa 1790

with deep purple veining, standing on a plinth of bluejohn and marble, with gilt metal mounts, including a filigree band, finial and scrolling handles; mounts possibly later, minor restorations

Bluejohn is a coloured crystalline gemstone unique to a single mine at Castleton, Derbyshire. It has a translucent appearance with colours ranging from dark purple and violet to light brown and honey yellow. It is believed that the first use of blue john was by Samuel Watson at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire between 1690-1715. Throughout the 18th century bluejohn increased in popularity, soon becoming the only English material that could rival the jasper and porphyry so much admired on the Grand Tour. By 1770s Matthew Boulton  was using it to great effect  in making ormolu mounted vases, candelabra and cassolettes at his Soho factory near Birmingham. The present vase is very much in the style of those produced by Boulton around this time.

It has been suggested that the crest,  which is the figure of Fortune standing on a winged globe, holding a billowing veil, is that of the Rucker family, in use before 1901. This crest could have been added at the end of the 19th century as Sir Arthur William Rucker ( 1848-1915) married in 1892 the daughter of the Keeper of Minerals at the British Museum. A figure of Fortune appears to be particularly associated with German Burgher ( as opposed to noble) arms.