Antique, Victorian porcelain Royal Worcester Centerpiece / Vase in the form of a Nautilus Shell. Made in England circa 1876-1891.  

Measures approximately 8 3/4 inches (22cm) high.  

Marine Seaside theme. Beautifully modelled nautilus shell in creamy porcelain with gold rim and beautiful detail to the modelling. Stands on a round base with gold

rims and concentric rings, encircling a border of alternating shells and seaweed in burnished and regular gilding. The rest of the domed foot is in the form of a

naturalistic sea-themed outcrop with applied and modelled seashells and seaweed in rich gilding. The neck is modelled as seaweed and finished in burnished gold. The

branches of the seaweed are fully 3-dimentional and enclose the nautilus as well as support it from below. Climbing aloft is a lizard / sea dragon , which was

commonly used by Worcester in the late 19th century while they were deeply influenced by Japanese themes and styles. The curves of the body arch around the curves of

the shell, the head moving the eye to a pleasing counter-direction.  

The piece is marked underneath with impressed and green painted Worcester mark, used 1876-91 (see Godden's book on British marks). The shape number is 4/93 and there

is also an impressed W-8.  

Condition is very good: no chips/cracks/damage/restoration of any sort.