Derby Porcelain Large Asymmetric Rococo Vase European Landscape & Fancy Birds c.1760

A charming early Derby porcelain vase in a distinctive asymmetric shape with heavy rococo scrolls, naturalistic fluting and reeding and flared shaped rim. Inset amongst the scrolls and shaped fluted sections are large smooth reserves either side, one painted with a scene of "fancy birds", oriental style pheasants set against a twiggy tree, which is typical of the decoration usually found on similar pieces. On the other side however is painted an unusual and very interesting landscape of two figures standing beside a tree on a river bank with a water mill set on the other side. It appears that the pair may be engaged in wildfowl shooting as one is holding up what appears to be a shotgun and there are a cluster of birds in the sky above. The two vignettes are painted in enamels of a bright chartreuse, yellowy green, puce, purples and browns. The rococo scrolls and fluted and reeded sections of the vase are tinted with a fresh lemon yellow and mint green and the mouldings around the reserves are edged with gilding and hints of puce. c.1760.