Rare Burmantofts Faience Sunburst Bottle Vases, C. 1880

An antique and exceptionally rare pair of earthenware vases created by the Burmantofts Fireclay Company in Leeds, UK, at the end of the 19th century. These vases feature a bottle form with an elegant neck and a slightly flared rim. The body of each vase is adorned with a finely incised sunburst pattern, complemented by flowing glazes that transition from deep green to brown and bronze tones, with subtle hints of blue and purple shimmering under the light.
The sunburst pattern, executed in fine relief, showcases the company's expertise in producing high-quality decorative ceramics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The glaze technique, often referred to as high-firing glaze, imparts a rich, glossy luster to the pieces. The stunning colors of these vases are difficult to fully capture in photographs, as daylight reflects beautifully off their surfaces.
One vase bears the impressed Burmantofts factory mark and a shape number resembling ‘106’ on its base, while the other has a paper sticker with the company name, beneath which the impressed company mark is also visible.
Burmantofts Pottery was established in 1858 as a ceramic manufacturer in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. Initially producing bricks and tiles, the company gained international acclaim in the late 19th century for its high-quality decorative art pottery, known as ‘Burmantofts Faience’. By 1880, the company had expanded its range to include vases, jugs, bowls, and figurines. Their products were sold both domestically and internationally, becoming popular among collectors and retailed in prestigious stores such as Harrods and Liberty.
The value of Burmantofts Faience items at auction can reach significant sums; for example, a faience Neptune charger sold for £13,000 at Woolley & Wallis. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London holds 17 works by Burmantofts Faience.
Burmantofts pottery was particularly admired for its combination of aesthetic beauty and practical functionality, contributing significantly to Victorian and Edwardian interior design. Today, Burmantofts ceramics are highly valued as exemplary pieces of British decorative art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dimensions: Height 21.7 cm, diameter (widest part) 11 cm, combined weight 888 grams.
Condition: One vase (right) has a repaired rim (see photo); otherwise, both are in excellent antique condition.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.