

Probably designed by Edward Lycett (American, born England, 1833–1910); manufactured by Faience Manufacturing Company (1881–1892)
New York City
Earthenware
H. 27 in. (68.6 cm), Diam. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)
Gift of Todd Michael Volpe, 1986 (1986.57a,b)
Because of its massive size, this Near Eastern–inspired bottle-form vase is one of the most important examples of the Faience Manufacturing Company's work. It may have belonged to the eminent ceramic historian Dr. Edwin AtLee Barber, who acquired a vase of the same size, shape, and decoration at auction in 1910. On the lower body, broad bands of Mazarine blue, a difficult-to-achieve glaze for which the firm was renowned, are painted with powdered gold and gilt vermiculation. On the upper body and neck, raised gold-paste butterflies flutter among chrysanthemums of Far Eastern derivation on an ivory-glazed ground.







