This vase was inspired by the shape of a fish. Its tail forms the base and its mouth forms the opening at the top with an ‘eye’ underneath. It is made from unglazed terracotta and decorated with an enameled sting-ray and gilt markings.
Christopher Dresser designed over 1,000 pots for the Linthorpe Pottery in Middlesbrough, including the Fish Vase, putting the town on the map as a centre for some of the most influential and innovative ceramic designs of all time. This particular vase was made by the world famous ceramics producers Wedgwood, from Dresser’s design.
Image courtest of Middlesbrough Museums Service