Blush Ivory Ladys Slipper Orchid Wall Pockets from Royal Worcester, 1886, Set of 2

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Description

A rare matched pair of Victorian Royal Worcester porcelain wall pockets, sculpted as lady's-slipper orchids and dated 1886. The model … Read more A rare matched pair of Victorian Royal Worcester porcelain wall pockets, sculpted as lady's-slipper orchids and dated 1886. The model was originally developed and introduced into production in 1881. Recognised by experts as an outstanding example of late 19th-century British decorative art, it belongs to the period of Victorian Orchidomania, when exotic orchids became a major source of inspiration for collectors and interior decoration.

The pair is made in the factory's satin-finish Blush Ivory porcelain. The naturalistic relief modelling includes striped upper sepals, finely veined side petals, polished gold borders, raised gilt dots and distinctive white slipper-shaped pouches.

The reverse of each wall pocket bears the green printed overglaze Royal Worcester crown-and-circle mark. The green stamp was used as a sign of exclusivity for costly, individually made interior pieces such as these wall pockets. The letter X is the factory date code for 1886.

Their deep relief, complex moulding and thin projecting petals made production technically demanding and caused a high rate of kiln loss. The survival of this closely matched pair is therefore especially notable.

Dimensions: the first wall pocket weighs 353 g and measures 21 cm long, 16 cm wide and 6.8 cm high. The second weighs 350 g and measures 21 cm long, 16 cm wide and 6.7 cm high.

Condition: The first wall pocket has traces of glue on the rear hanging fitting. These are surface marks rather than evidence of repair. There is a small area of dullness to the reverse gilding and two areas of cloudy enamel on the white reverse surface of the flower. Otherwise, it is in ideal condition, with complete preservation of the gold and painted decoration. The second wall pocket has slight traces of pale paint on the reverse where the petals join the body; they do not give the impression of being connected with damage. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition. All the noted imperfections are very small and have virtually no effect on the overall appearance of the wall pockets. This piece has an attribution mark,
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