Doulton Burslem ewer

Doulton Burslem - c.1900
 
This elegant ewer by Doulton Burslem dates from the turn of the last century and shows the imaginative way in which designers melded styles together despite their chronological differences. 
This ewer is based on a piece from classical antiquity, no doubt found in Ancient Greece or Rome. The use of classical shapes can be seen throughout the production of European porcelain. 
The decoration however is a symphony of delicate Rocco gilding and aesthetic style florals. All applied in gold they work surprisingly well and great a very lavish statement piece. The dark blue cobalt ground, a favourite of Doulton, sets the gilding off beautifully. The ewer bears the mark of the Robert Allen studio of decorators who were responsible for some of Doulton’s finest wares of this period. 

Interestingly we have a companion to this ewer, it has the same shape and decoration but the area about the ‘c scrolls’ has a dark green ground that merges into cobalt blue at the bottom. 
They make a striking couple. 
 
Condition: Minor wear to the gilding, otherwise excellent condition.