Royal Worcester porcelain ewer with Japonisme dragon handle

This wonderful porcelain ewer is by the English firm Royal Worcester. The ewer is crafted in the distinctive Japonisme style, its form, the floral decoration adorning its body, and the magnificent dragon-form handle all being drawn from Japanese art and design. The ewer features a bulbous body and a tapering neck rising to a shaped mouth. The handle, which attaches to the shoulder of the ewer and the top of the neck, is formed as a long and winding dragon, its tail scrolling on the body of the ewer and its head wrapped around the neck. The ivory-coloured porcelain body is finished with a series of semi-circular marks, which catch the light and lend a sense of depth to the surface. The body of the ewer is painted with parcel gilt floral sprays, the sprays painted in a delicate, sketchy manner and coloured with subtle pinks and greens.

The underside of the vase is partially marked for Royal Worcester and is drilled.