Wedgwood Ivory Ware Miniature Portland Vase c1870 Gilded Pine Cone Design

Discover a rare and exquisite example of 19th-century English porcelain artistry with this Wedgwood Ivory Ware miniature Portland vase, dating from around c.1870. Finely potted and beautifully decorated, this diminutive piece encapsulates all the elegance and refinement for which Wedgwood is celebrated, presented here in an unusually small and highly collectible size.

This charming miniature vase stands at approximately 9 cm in height, making it a perfect cabinet piece or focal point for a curated display of antique ceramics. The form is inspired by the iconic Portland vase silhouette, a classical shape that has become synonymous with Wedgwood’s most refined work. In this ivory ware interpretation, the timeless profile is complemented by delicate and luxurious surface decoration.

The vase is crafted in Ivory Ware, a fine, creamy-toned ceramic body that provides a warm, subtle backdrop for the decoration. The surface is adorned with an intricate design of pine cones in raised gilding and coloured enamels. The raised gilt work catches the light beautifully, adding depth, texture, and a sense of opulence, while the enamel accents introduce carefully judged touches of colour. This combination of techniques demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of Wedgwood’s Victorian-period production.

One of the most notable aspects of this piece is the rarity of this shape and decoration in such a small size. While the Portland vase form is celebrated and widely recognised, it is uncommon to find it rendered as a miniature in Ivory Ware with this specific raised gilt and enamel pine cone motif. Collectors of Wedgwood and connoisseurs of 19th-century ceramics will appreciate the scarcity and desirability of this particular variation, making it an excellent addition to a serious collection or an outstanding gift for a discerning enthusiast.

The vase bears the appropriate Wedgwood marks. To the underside is a red transfer-printed mark in the shape of a Portland vase, above the word “WEDGWOOD”. In addition, the piece is also impressed “WEDGWOOD”, a further confirmation of authenticity and period. These marks, together with the style and quality of the decoration, support the dating of the piece to around 1870.

Condition is described as good throughout, especially considering its age. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or significant restoration visible to the naked eye, and the gilding and enamels remain attractively presented. As with any antique item of this period, minor age-related wear may be present, but this only serves to enhance its character and historic charm. If you require further clarification or close-up images, please do not hesitate to make contact.

This miniature Wedgwood Ivory Ware Portland vase is ideal for:

• Wedgwood collectors seeking a rare and unusual form.
• Antique porcelain and pottery enthusiasts who appreciate fine Victorian decorative arts.
• Interior designers looking for a refined accent piece to elevate a display cabinet, mantel, or console table.
• Gift buyers searching for a truly distinctive, historically significant object.

The compact 9 cm height makes this vase extremely versatile in display. It sits beautifully among other pieces of fine porcelain, complements both traditional and contemporary interiors, and serves as a subtle yet luxurious focal point in any setting. Its classical silhouette and delicate gilded pine cone decoration offer a timeless elegance that transcends passing trends.

In the context of Victorian Wedgwood, this vase represents a harmonious blend of classical inspiration and late 19th-century decorative taste. The pine cone motif, rendered in raised gilt and enamel, reflects the era’s fascination with nature and intricate ornamentation, while the Portland vase shape roots the piece firmly in the neoclassical tradition that underpinned Wedgwood’s reputation from the late 18th century onward.

If you appreciate antique English ceramics, fine porcelain, and rare Wedgwood pieces, this miniature Ivory Ware Portland vase will be a distinguished and rewarding acquisition. Its graceful form, luxurious gilded and enamelled decoration, authentic period marks, and scarce small size all combine to create a highly desirable work of decorative art.

Please feel free to message with any questions, or to request additional information or photographs. This is a refined, museum-worthy example of 19th-century Wedgwood Ivory Ware, ready to enhance a curated collection or to bring a touch of historic luxury to your home.