Royal Worcester, dated 1903 - Harry Davis pair of campagna urn vases with serpent handles, shape 2098 - Vas med dubbla öron (2) - 2098 - Emalj, Förgyllt, Porslin

A pair of Royal Worcester urn shaped double-handed porcelain vases in campagna style with paired serpent handles.

Body shape 2098, registration number 351298, green backstamp underside with date marks for 1903.

Cream ground circular bodies are raised on cobalt blue waisted socles that rest on gilded pedestal bases, the tops are beaded with bands of large white "jewels".

Both vases are hand-painted with romantic vistas of Greek or Roman ruins. The cartouches are enclosed with elaborate raised gilding of scrolls and flowers. The sumptuous gilding is extended to reverse of the vases, depicting floral sprigs and foliage.

Both medallions are signed "H Davis" for Harry Davis. The raised gilding around the painted panels may possibly be the work of Harry's grandfather, Josiah Davis. Similar gilding can be seen on this vase - https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28790/lot/535/.

Harry Davis was born in Worcester in 1885 and at the age of 13, started working for Royal Worcester. Along with all the young boys he began doing very menial tasks and was formally apprenticed for seven years under the talented landscape artist, Edward Salter, on 3 November 1899.

Harry Davis would have been aged eighteen when he painted these vases in 1903; the beauty and craftsmanship of these panels, at such a young age is a testament to his tremendous talent.

682 g
12.5 cm tall to rim
15.5 cm tall to handle
11 cm across the top
5 cm across the base

Three handles have repairs; one foot has been repaired and reattached with a peg.