Samual Alcock & Co. Porcelain Neo Classical Ewer c.1857 'The Battle Between The Greeks and the Amazons'

Height: 22cm (8.5inches)

A similar Example in the collection of the Victorian & Albert Museum

https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O170050/vase-samuel-alcock/

The porcelain ovoid shape ewer with loop handle, the body transferware decorated with fighting Greek and Amazon warriors and  bordered above and below with Greek-style ornament. Below the handle at the back, an elaborated ornament of palmettes and scrolls.

Ornament and script the underside reading 'FAC-SIMILE OF A VASE representing THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE GREEKS and the AMAZONS, FOUND AT CUMAE towards the latter end of the year 1855. See the London Illustrated News Feb.16th 1856, S.A.&Co.'

The fact that a reference is made, on the vase itself, to a popular contemporary periodical ( The London Illustrated News) demonstrates how quickly ceramic firms were able to respond to public demand and reflect topical subject matter.

Nineteenth century European designers and manufacturers often used  archaeological discoveries. The simple lines and patterns of ancient Greek and Roman pottery were seen in various design incarnations and applications throughout the Decorative Arts of the 18th and 19th century.