About this objectA rare Della Robbia Salamander vase by Harold Rathbone, shouldered form, applied with a lizard to the shoulder, the vase with painted comma motif, in green, yellow and red on a terracotta ground.
This vase is a fairly unique design for Della Robbia, featuring a salamander climbing over the edge of its rim. Although a similar work can be found in the collections of National Museums Liverpool, which is coloured in blue and features a more elongated design. Salamanders were often used as a form of symbolism in Victorian art and jewellery; they were deemed to be a sign of resilience due to the ancient belief of Pliny and Aristotle that they could withstand fire.
MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)
Maker Rolemanufacturer
MakerRathbone, Harold Steward (1858-1929)
Maker Roledesigner
Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside
Style and IconographyArts and Crafts
Inscription and MarksInscribed on base: Della Robbia insignia and 'HR'
Techniqueceramic
Measurementsheight: 16cm
widest diameter: 14cm
Subject and Association Keywordssalamander
Subject and Association Keywordslizard
Credit LineGift from Dr Alex Yu Sing Hooi and Keir McGuinness, 2025
