William Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase

Description

William Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase (Circa mid-1920s)

Presenting a fine William Moorcroft vase in the highly sought-after Pomegranate pattern, dating to the mid-1920s. Measuring 13cm in height and 9.5cm in width, the vessel features a well-proportioned baluster form with a gently flared rim and a sweeping circular foot. The piece survives in excellent original condition, completely free from chips, cracks, or restoration.

The tube-lined decoration displays the iconic Pomegranate design, featuring a continuous frieze of both whole and open fruit revealing intricately detailed seeds. These are interspersed with lush clusters of rounded berries and trailing autumnal foliage. The vibrant ochre, russet, and deep crimson tones of the pomegranates contrast strikingly against the characteristic inky cobalt blue ground, which transitions subtly to a mottled greenish-ochre toward the upper rim. The high-gloss glaze remains rich and reflective, enhancing the depth of the metallic oxide colors.

The underside displays the impressed factory marks “MOORCROFT” and “MADE IN ENGLAND”, alongside William Moorcroft’s painted “WM” flash monogram in blue, confirming its authentic mid-1920s production period.

About Early William Moorcroft Pottery

William Moorcroft began his ceramic career in 1897 as a designer at James Macintyre & Co. in Burslem. There, he developed his signature tube-lined “Florian Ware,” a technique involving raised slip outlines filled with vibrant colors. His highly individualized style quickly garnered international acclaim, including prestigious gold medals at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

In 1913, following a parting of ways with Macintyre, Moorcroft established his own independent works at Cobridge, notably backed by Liberty & Co. of London. The Pomegranate pattern, first introduced around 1910, became one of his most enduring and successful designs. It perfectly captures the evolution of Moorcroft’s style, bridging the organic fluidity of late Art Nouveau with the richer, deeper, and more grounded palettes that would characterize his work throughout the early Art Deco period.