A large Minton 'Prometheus' vase, circa 1876

designed by Victor Etienne Simyan (1826-1886), of baluster form with a turquoise ground, with two high-handles modelled with trophy terminals affixed with pairs of chained figures of warriors painted in ivory-tones, the cover surmounted with a model of the Greek Titan Prometheus, the foot edge modelled with silver snakes entwined through a gilded laurel wreath, the base with impressed MINTONS, puce printed MINTONS and crowned globe mark, impressed date code of a triangle within a circle, the cover with paper label printed T. Goode & Co/ London/ Minton with banner 'PARIS' 'EXHIBITION' '1878', with wooden plinth stand

The International Exposition, Paris, 1878 (paper label).

In overall good appearance. To one set of figures at shoulder - two chains are loose detached from feet. There is glaze crazing to turquoise ground of vase. To one handle there is a chain link lacking at lower part which has traces of glue residue. There are seven hairline cracks to shoulder of vase and a hairline crack to foot. Both wings of the cover probably restored with visible areas of re-gilding.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

‘...This vase is equally remarkable whether we consider the quality of the workmanship or the art displayed in its design. For the former it will be sufficient to say here that it is absolutely without flaw, and the reader can see for himself how fine and harmonious are all the features of the ornamentation.’
- Walter Smith (ed.) The Masterpieces of the Centennial International exhibition: Industrial, Volume 2, 1876-78, p. 224.

The Prometheus vase, also known as the ‘Captive vase’ takes its name from the figural cover showing an eagle feeding on the liver of Prometheus, the punishment handed down by Zeus for stealing fire from the gods and bringing it back to earth. The model was first shown at the Paris International Exposition of 1867.ⁱ Receiving critical acclaim Minton continued to show the vase in the international exhibitions that followed in the 1870s. A visitor of the 1878 Paris exhibition, perhaps upon seeing the present example, refers to it as ‘one of the noblest pieces ever produced.'ⁱⁱ

Simyan, known for his eccentricities, exhibited at the Paris Salon between 1855 and 1861 before moving to England in about 1860 where he founded his own workshop and designed for the pottery industry. A near identical example is in the Manchester Art Gallery, mus. no. 1884.45.

i One of the two vases shown is now in the collection of the V&A, London, mus. no. 1047:1, 2-1871.
ii Quoted from Paul Atterbury and Maureen Batkin, The Dictionary of Minton, Woodbridge, 1990, p. 168.