Carlton Ware Steel Blue Lustre Secretary Bird Vase

A beautiful vintage vase by Carlton Ware in the very rare and sought after Secretary Bird pattern in the steel blue lustre ground (4106) which was produced between 1937 and 1941.  This pattern is extremely hard to find and even harder to find in the steel blue lustre colourway.  It carries the standard Carlton Ware backstamp used during this period.  It also has the impression 1643, which refers to the shape number.  It also has the numbers M1/2245 4106 painted on the base, which refers to the pattern number.  The Secretary Bird pattern is another of the outstanding art-deco patterns designed by Violet Elmer.  This vase is extremely rare and a very collectable piece.

Its main feature is a fabulous fan-tailed bird, sometimes referred to as the "road runner".  The entire bird is enamelled in every colour available to the paintresses and appears to be standing in a canyon in front of high cliffs and a waterfall.  Equally impressive to the bird is a secondary pattern of a fabulous flower and leaf design that is similar in style to other art-deco geometric patterns designed by Violet Elmer.  The vase stands on a pedestal base with a rope of gold around the stem.  The same gold rope is around the rim of the vase.  The inside is a mother of pearl lustre.

It is in excellent condition, having no repairs, chips, cracks or stains.  It does have very minor crazing, only to the base and mother of pearl interior, which is usual for pieces of this age.  The steel blue ground, enamelling and gold trim are in excellent condition.  The colours are bright and vivid and this vase is in absolutely pristine condition, obviously spending it's life as a treasured item in a cabinet.  Any white marks are light reflections.

Dimensions - 8½ cms high, 6 cms base dia., 6 cms rim dia., 8 cms widest dia. (measurements are approximate)

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