AN AMERICAN UNION PORCELAIN WORKS CENTENNIAL VASE . Union Porcelain Works, Greenpoint, New York, circa 1876-1885. Designed b...

Description

AN AMERICAN UNION PORCELAIN WORKS CENTENNIAL VASE
Union Porcelain Works, Greenpoint, New York, circa 1876-1885
Designed by Karl Müller
Marks: MANUFACTURED BY UNION PORCELAIN WORKS GREENPOINT, NY, (raised seal) UPWC (eagle's head with S in beak), incised 2, signed under portrait K. MULLER, to relief panel UPW
12-3/4 x 10 x 7-1/4 inches (32.4 x 25.4 x 18.4 cm)

The baluster-form Centennial Vase with sculpted North American bison head handles, portrait medallion of George Washington to either side and a series of relief plaques at the base depicting scenes of America's history during its first century, multi-color overglazed division between plaques and ground of foliate swirls frame the medallions with oak leaves and acorns, berried branches and grape vine framed by a raised gilt band below and above a matt gold band, neck with leafed bands alternating with foliate bands in pinks, interior rim with oak leaves and acorns and fruited branches.

The design of this vase is based on a pair of vases created for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and is one of about sixteen known copies that measure ten inches shorter then the original design. This vase is one of a pair (the other example being sold in the May 21st Grand Format Americana & Political Memorabilia Auction #6060 ), but is of particular significance as it is incised with the designer's signature under the shoulder of the relief of Washington. The only other known signed example is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it has been suggested that the inscription combined with hand detailing, also seen in this example and its mate, indicates Muller's personal hand.










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