{"product_id":"pates-potteries-val-lustreware-mantle-vase-pink-gunmetal-shape-941-circa-1940s-1950s-sydney-australia","title":"Pates Potteries 'Val' Lustreware Mantle Vase, Pink \u0026 Gunmetal, Shape 941, circa 1940s–1950s, Sydney Australia","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the years after the Second World War, Australian living rooms were hungry for colour, optimism, and a sense of modern luxury that the austerity years had denied them. Pates Potteries of Belmore, Sydney — founded by Alfred James Pate in 1946 — answered that hunger with dramatic slip-cast forms and shimmering lustreware finishes that felt genuinely glamorous at a price ordinary households could reach. This trumpet mantle vase, standing 29.5cm tall, is one of their most sculptural achievements: a wide flared flower form rising from an organic cluster of large leaves and upward-pointing stylised buds, finished in a liquid-metallic glaze that shifts from delicate candy pink at the upper petals down through an intense oil-slick gunmetal grey and purple iridescence at the base. It is a piece that earns its place on a mantel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe base is marked with the factory shape number \u003cem\u003e941\u003c\/em\u003e and the cursive name \u003cem\u003eVal\u003c\/em\u003e — the decorator responsible for hand-spraying the multi-toned metallic washes onto the body before its final kiln firing. Signed Pates pieces are more desirable than unsigned examples, and Val's work here is exceptional: the colour transitions are seamless and the iridescence is fully intact. An example of this exact shape is held in the permanent Australian ceramics collection at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney (Object No. 92\/853), which speaks to the cultural significance of the form. A considered addition to any Australian studio pottery collection, and a genuinely striking centrepiece for a mantel, sideboard, or dining table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pates Potteries Pty Ltd, Belmore, Sydney, Australia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e 941 (factory mould registration number)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecorator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Val (cursive signature on base)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa late 1940s–1950s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlaze:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lustreware — candy pink upper petals transitioning to gunmetal grey and purple iridescent base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 29.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition. The lustreware finish is vivid and fully intact, with strong iridescence throughout. One faint superficial scratch in the folds of the upper portion of the vase — barely visible and in no way detracting from the overall presentation. Three tiny manufacturing inclusions (glaze pinholes) on the body, caused by small air pockets or mineral specks during kiln firing — a recognised characteristic of post-war Australian slipware production, not post-factory damage, and generally disregarded by collectors. Minor base friction wear, consistent with shelf display over many decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe photographs form part of the condition report — please review all images carefully before purchasing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWipe clean with a soft damp cloth. Do not submerge in water or place in a dishwasher — the lustreware glaze is delicate and prolonged moisture exposure can dull the iridescence. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Display away from direct sunlight to preserve the metallic finish over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePostage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vase is offered with free tracked domestic postage Australia-wide, fully insured for its purchase value. Given its height and the sculptural complexity of the leaf and bud base, it is packed with particular care — wrapped in acid-free tissue and bubble wrap, double-boxed with professional-grade void fill throughout. Any questions about postage or packaging, please get in touch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Timeless Edit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42634863902766,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2808\/9574\/files\/PatesLustrewareVase1.jpg?v=1786941998","url":"https:\/\/jacquifink.com\/products\/pates-potteries-val-lustreware-mantle-vase-pink-gunmetal-shape-941-circa-1940s-1950s-sydney-australia","provider":"Jacqui Fink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}