Preliminary identification

Pilkington's Royal Lancastrian 'Lapis' Ware Vase, c.1930

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A striking hand-painted ceramic vase featuring a maritime scene of sailing vessels on a vibrant blue ground. This piece represents the 'Lapis' glaze technique, known for its textured, painterly quality that mimics the depth of semi-precious stone.

Story

In the 1930s, English potters moved away from Victorian stiffness toward the fluid, atmospheric 'Lapis' style. This vase captures the era's obsession with the sea, turning a simple vessel into a canvas for a rolling ocean voyage.

Maker / Origin

Pilkington's was a glass giant that ventured into pottery, eventually hiring the legendary William Mycock and Gladys Rogers. They became world-famous for their 'Royal' status and their experimental glazes that rivaled the best of French and Japanese ceramics.

Condition & Value

The vase shows visible surface crazing consistent with age and a small amount of debris/staining on the unglazed foot ring. No major chips or cracks are visible in the photos. Excellent condition for this glaze type usually commands the higher end of the range.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.