This stunning Linthorpe Art Pottery, earthenware ‘double-gourd vase, designed by Christopher Dresser, c.1880. In 1875 a contemporary Japanese bronze was acquired by the South Kensington Museum (V&A) from the sale of the Paris dealer Siegfried Bing’s collection of Japanese art (V&A:148-1876). The sinuous double-gourd shape clearly influenced Christopher Dresser’s design for the Linthorpe vase. Dresser travelled to Japan in late 1876 on behalf of the South Kensington Museum and wrote extensively about the art works he encountered on his visit. He worked closely with Sir Francis Philip Cunliffe-Owen, Director of the Museum, selecting diplomatic gifts and acquiring objects for the collections. The profound influence of Dresser’s visit to Japan brought a new maturity and strength of his designs. His work for the Ault and Linthorpe potteries, such as this vase, drew on established Asian models that were innovative for Western production. Significantly it is also only in connection with works following his visit to Japan that he describes himself as a ‘designer’.

The Linthorpe Pottery (1879-89) was founded by businessman John Harrison to exploit the local source of red clay, create original art pottery and partly as a philanthropic venture to relieve the plight of the local unemployed. An admirer of Dresser, Harrison hired the designer as Art Superintendent until 1882 along with skilled workers from the Staffordshire Potteries and artists trained at the Schools of Art, South Kensington. The artist Henry Tooth (1842-1918) was appointed as the pottery manager on recommendation by Dresser. Tooth had no previous experience in the role yet the works produced in collaboration with Dresser between 1879 and ‘82, are some of the most innovative of Linthorpe's production. Ceramic manufacture marks for both men can be found on the ‘double-gourd’ vase.