Doulton Chang Vase, circa 1920

A glazed ceramic vase in slender spindle form from the Chang Ware series by Royal Doulton (England, founded 1815) circa 1920-30s. The vase was decorated with thick and dripping glaze in rich mottled polychrome colors. The glaze shows overall irregular crackles, a signature characteristic of Chang Ware. The base is hand-marked "NOKE", Royal Doulton in rectangle and initial HN (for Harry Nixon). Developed by Charles J. Noke (1858-1941), Doulton's Art Director, as part of his experimentation into Chinese flambé glazes during the 1920s. Fired at very high temperatures, they were introduced commercially by Doulton in 1925 in response to popular demand for eastern style ceramics. They were applied primarily by Harry Nixon (1886-1955). The name Chang Ware was used by Doulton in reference to the possibly mythical Song potter, Chang the Elder, although it bears little relationship to Song ceramics.

Signed Frank Butler.