Price range: £4,250 each

A matched pair of modernist Liberty & Co Cymric silver and turquoise “rocket” vases by Archibald Knox. I have said matched because one is hallmarked Birmingham 1903, one 1905 but they are otherwise visually a perfect pair, including the position of the hallmarks. Examples of slight variants to this vase appear in Dr Stephen Martin’s book “Archibald Knox” page 186.  The vases are model 2187 in the Liberty silver sketch book.

These vases represent one of Knox’s most innovative modern designs.  It is incredible to think that they date to the Edwardian period.  I suspect Knox’s inspiration may have been from a Mether, the ancient Celtic drinking communal drinking vessel that typically had handles not dis-similar to the “rocket” fins of these vases.

Maker: Liberty & Co

Designer: Archibald Knox

Date : 1903/5

Marks: L & Co, Birmingham, date letter “d/f”

Material: Sterling silver and turquoise

Condition: Excellent.

Size: 13.75cm high

Weight : 178 grams 6.3 and 162 grams 5.7 oz each