Well,
here we go. This is perhaps the rarest piece of Laughlin China yet found.
Of
course I'm biased, but there are a number of reasons for my statement
as
I've outlined below. I acquired this covered urn from a experienced
American
ceramics collector who had added it to his extensive collection over a
decade ago. He stated that he had found it with an antique dealer
in
Michigan. My cursory research since acquisition has not uncovered any additional
documentation, but it matches the style of another pate-sur-pate plate
pictured in Jo Cunningham's "Giant" book. I have a theory that perhaps
this piece was done for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Please let me know
if
you can add any information to my search!
1.
It is marked with the extremely rare Laughlin China 'horseshoe with crossed
swords' mark that dates it from the early (and short) time period of 1886-1889.
2.
The ceramic techniques used are some of the most difficult and exacting
done in the realm of the potter. The two large plaques, one on each side,
are done in "pate-sur-pate" (translated paste-on-paste). This technique
is only used by the most experienced of potters and is most often found
on presentation pieces. There is comparatively very little pate-sur-pate
found in American ceramics and not much more found in British and continental
potteries.
3.
The pate-sur-pate plaques - one of an angel, one of a floral arrangement
- are not the only examples of this technique presented. The entire urn
body and neck is covered in applied leaves and the handle bases end in
beautiful applied acanthus leaf forms.
4.
The size of the urn is spectacular! At nearly 19-1/2" tall, it has
to be one of the tallest pieces ever made at the Laughlin factories. The
body circumference is 30" - with an interior volume over 3 gallons!
5.
The whole piece is actually three separate pieces: lid, body, and base.
The base-and-pedestal is attached to the body with a period-correct bolt
and nut (the urn is not water-tight because of this).
6.
The lid is pierced with alternating round and diamond shape openings (appearing
like ventilation holes) - another common Victorian feature.
7.
The finial is large (nearly 1-1/2" in diameter) and shaped much like the
finials on Jade shape pieces done some 45-50 years later.
8.
The colors of cobalt blue, pink (flesh-tone), and white is a classic Victorian-era
combination.
9.
It is constructed using a white porcelain body clay - also very typical
of the times and a material that Homer Laughlin was using in his desire
to produce a high-quality competitive ware in the 1880s.
10.
Other expert opinions have all been of the same reaction... "UNBELIEVABLE!"
"Outstanding!" "One of the most amazing Laughlin finds ever!" "Worthy of
any number of major museums!"
Well,
believe it...and, no, it's not for sale (yet).
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