Antique Staffordshire Art Pottery Pair Of Turquoise Gilt Vases Aesthetic Movement Design Registered Design 1892 Staffordshire Art Pottery Barker Batty And Read Fenton Rare Early Rubian Circle Art Pottery Vases Turquoise Ground With Gilded Botanical Decor. Pair Art Pottery Vases Aesthetic Movement Barker Batty And Read 1892 Staffordshire. ?? Description A rare and historically significant pair of Aesthetic Movement art pottery vases produced by Barker, Batty & Read of Fenton, Staffordshire, registered under design number Rd 203948 in 1892. These vases represent a fascinating and important transitional moment in the history of the Staffordshire pottery industry, belonging to the early phase of the works that would later evolve into the well-known Rubian Art Pottery. Barker, Batty & Read operated as earthenware manufacturers in Fenton, Staffordshire during the late nineteenth century. Archival sources confirm that the works were in their control in the early 1890s before passing into the hands of H. After which the factory developed into Rubian Art Pottery, eventually becoming associated with the wider Grimwades pottery enterprise. Objects from the Barker, Batty & Read phase are rarely encountered, making pieces such as these historically valuable for collectors interested in the evolution of British art pottery. The vases display a beautifully balanced Aesthetic Movement design, reflecting the late Victorian fascination with natural forms, Japanese influence, and elegant asymmetry. Each vase rises from a circular foot into a gently swelling body before narrowing to an unusual scalloped neck. The dramatic scrolling handles with volute terminals create a sculptural silhouette typical of the period’s decorative experimentation. The surface is finished in a striking turquoise blue glaze, over which rich gilded botanical decoration has been applied. Flowing branches, leaves and natural motifs move across the surface in an organic composition typical of the Aesthetic Movement. The gilding remains remarkably well preserved, particularly on the bodies and bases. Light wear on the handles reveals the original soft pink ground beneath the gilding, a beautiful detail that confirms the original layered decorative technique. Both vases share the same registered design yet differ subtly in the arrangement of the decorative motifs, suggesting that they were conceived as a complementary pair rather than exact duplicates, which was a common artistic approach in late nineteenth century art pottery. Importantly, the vases do not bear the later Rubian factory mark, but only the registered design number, entirely consistent with production during the Barker, Batty & Read period before regular Rubian branding was introduced. Similar decorative language appears on early marked Rubian wares, reinforcing their position within the early Rubian artistic circle. For collectors of Staffordshire ceramics, these vases are particularly interesting because they illustrate the early artistic stage that preceded the formal Rubian identity, making them both decorative and historically meaningful objects. Dimensions Height 36 cm Base diameter 107 mm. Condition Very good antique condition overall. One vase has a crack in one handle. There is no evidence of restoration, and the condition is clearly shown in the photographs. Both vases display a beautiful natural craquelure in the glaze, typical of late Victorian art pottery. The gilding remains strong with expected wear on the handles. Poetic Impression Turquoise fire beneath Victorian gold, Branches of art in silence unfold, Before Rubian took its name in flame, These forms were born without a name. ? For Whom An excellent acquisition for collectors of Staffordshire art pottery, Aesthetic Movement ceramics, and early Rubian related production. Particularly attractive for collectors studying transitional phases of British pottery works. ? How To Use These vases form a striking display pair in a cabinet dedicated to Victorian ceramics or art pottery. Their luminous turquoise ground and elegant scroll handles also make them powerful decorative objects within interiors inspired by the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, or eclectic antique interiors. ? Authenticity And Provenance Registered design Rd 203948 dated 1892, attributed to Barker, Batty & Read, Fenton, Staffordshire. Produced during the early transitional phase of the pottery works that later became known as Rubian Art Pottery. Professionally packed with protective materials suitable for antique ceramics. The TARRARI team will gladly assist you. ? 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