Vintage Dragon Vases by Frederick Rhead for Bursley Ware, 1930s, Set of 2

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Two tall, flared-neck vases from the Dragon pattern series designed by Frederick Rhead for Wood & Sons’ Bursley Ware line, … Read more Two tall, flared-neck vases from the Dragon pattern series designed by Frederick Rhead for Wood & Sons’ Bursley Ware line, dating to the 1930s. Each vase is individually hand-painted with a striking dragon motif — twisting in bold hues of green, cobalt blue, and iron red — set against a white ground with a yellow lustre glaze. While similar in scale and decoration, the two vases are not identical and were likely not conceived as a matched pair. One features a dragon with its head tilted upward and dense gilt highlights throughout; the other shows a more horizontal composition with a looser, more gestural handling of line. These differences suggest that one may have been a production sample or test piece, reflecting minor design or firing variations during development. Both carry the Bursley Ware Dragon backstamp to the base. Each vase features a narrow trumpet mouth with a gilt rim, and stylised blue foliage encircling the foot and shoulder. In good vintage condition with light age-related crazing and minor wear to the lustre glaze, consistent with use and production techniques of the period. Vase 1 measures 26.5 tall with a diameter of 11 cm. Vase 2 measures 26 cm tall with a diameter of 11 cm Rhead’s Dragon series remains among the most distinctive examples of 1930s British ceramics influenced by orientalist design — and these vases offer insight into both the creative process and decorative innovation of Bursley Ware during that era. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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