Coalport Porcelain Eagle Vase Coalbrookdale Museum Commemorative Urn, 1976

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A classical urn form surmounted by a domed cover with a sculpted eagle finial finished in burnished gold leaf lustre. … Read more A classical urn form surmounted by a domed cover with a sculpted eagle finial finished in burnished gold leaf lustre. Modelled in fine white bone china, the vase draws upon traditional nineteenth-century Coalbrookdale presentation trophies, featuring prominent twin scrolling loop handles with twisted terminals, a fluted socle foot, and a weighted square plinth base accented with moulded circular bead motifs. The central body displays a wide painted rectangular reserve showing a historic view of the Coalport works alongside the River Severn, titled 'Coalbrook Dale China Manufactory'. Hand-applied gilt bands frame the scenic panel, complemented by feathered acanthus leaf gilding radiating across the underside of the cup and matching foliate sprays across the domed cover. The reverse of the body bears an elaborate commemorative script inscription reading 'To Commemorate the opening of the Coalport factory Museum July 23rd. 1976.' set within trailing gold borders. Produced by Coalport under Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, this piece was restricted to a strict edition of 50 examples, of which this represents the final numbered piece. The vase stands 31 cm in total height to the tip of the eagle finial. It is accompanied by its original printed factory certificate, which records piece number 50 and bears the managing director's signature. See less