This is a very rare and substantial Arts and Crafts jardiniere.
It dates to the 1890's and was made by Ault Pottery for sale in Liberty, London. It has an impressed Liberty mark on the base. It was possibly designed by Christoper Dresser.
In 1887, William Ault left Bretby and set up his own pottery in Swadlingcote, Staffordshire. Ault was best known for his inventive use of coloured glazes. Christopher Dresser designed for him in the 1890s. Dresser teamed with Ault in 1892 and contributed designs to Ault until 1896. New Dresser designs continued to be manufactured by Ault until 1909, five years after Dresser's death
I have owned this pot for nearly 20 years - and never seen another quite like it - or of this very large size.
It is in very good vintage condition - and with no cracks etc - so you would be able to keep a big plant in it without any danger of leakages. It is probably a piece for the more specialist Ault or Dresser collector.
It is handmade at Ault - and has those two curled handles made of large slabs of clay and applied to the sides of the pot. The glaze is a vibrant olive green shade - with areas of subtle iridescence in the glaze. The glaze on the pot is very thick and you can see where it has been applied - and forms a ridge on the base. The base is a terracotta colour.
Dimensions: the height is 8 1/2 inches. From handle to handle it is a stonking 11 3/4 inches. The diameter at the widest is about 10 1/4 inches. The diameter at the top is 6 3/4 inches.
It is a beast - and weighs in at 4.1 kg unpacked.
This is a very rare piece of late 19th-century pottery - and would great in a Victorian conservatory with an exotic plant in it. My price reflects this pot's rarity.
Due to its large size and weight - I would be unable to send it outside the UK. It will have to be sent to you with Parcelforce24 - this will cost £14.95 - and applied to your order at the checkout.