Booths Silicon China Covered Vase, Scale Blue Exotic Birds, C.1900

A fine English covered vase dating to the early twentieth century, produced by Booths of Tunstall, Staffordshire. Made in the factory's celebrated Silicon China body, this elegant decorative piece belongs to Booths' Scale Blue revival series, inspired by the celebrated Scale Blue porcelains of eighteenth-century Worcester.                                                                                       The vase is of classic baluster form and decorated on a rich underglaze cobalt-blue ground. Shaped rococo cartouches enriched with gilding contain finely painted reserves depicting exotic birds, insects and flowering branches. Smaller reserves with birds and floral motifs are arranged around the body, all framed by elaborate gilt ornament inspired by the celebrated Worcester designs of the eighteenth century.                                                                                                           Particularly noteworthy is the removable domed cover surmounted by a hand-modelled flower finial with bright green leaves. Closely based on original eighteenth-century Worcester models, this elaborate knop survives in exceptional condition and contributes significantly to the decorative appeal of the piece.                                                                                                                   Booths became renowned for its historical revival wares inspired by some of the most celebrated English porcelain designs of the eighteenth century. The factory's Scale Blue series remains among its most recognisable productions, faithfully adapting early Worcester decoration to the Silicon China body developed by Booths.                                                                       The glaze displays a fine and even network of overall crazing, a well-documented characteristic of ageing Booths Silicon China commonly encountered on surviving examples. Rather than indicating damage, it is entirely consistent with the factory's earthenware body and production methods of the period.                                                                                                                             Complete examples retaining their original cover and remaining free from restoration are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly in such well-preserved condition. Dimensions: Height 15.7 cm. Diameter 9.2 cm. Weight: 279 g. Condition: Excellent antique condition. No signs of repair, cracks or repainting. Light all-over crazing consistent with aged Booths Silicon China. The enamels, gilding and blue scale ground remain exceptionally well preserved. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.