Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801: This elegant piece, a testament to American artistry, invites us to explore its captivating history, design, and enduring appeal. From its meticulous crafting process to its unique artistic style, the 801 vase embodies the pinnacle of Weller Pottery’s Aurelian line. We’ll delve into the details of its creation, examining its physical attributes, decorative elements, and market value, ultimately painting a complete picture of this collectible treasure.
The vase’s distinctive shape, color palette, and decorative motifs reflect the prevailing artistic trends of its era. Understanding the “801” designation within Weller’s broader production provides crucial context to its place within the company’s history. We’ll also analyze its current market value, considering factors like condition and rarity, offering insights for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Proper care and preservation techniques will also be discussed, ensuring this beautiful piece remains a cherished heirloom for generations to come.
Product Overview
The Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801 is a prime example of early 20th-century American art pottery, showcasing the company’s mastery of glazes and form. This particular vase represents a blend of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts influences, typical of Weller’s output during this period. Its enduring appeal lies in its elegant design and the high-quality craftsmanship that defines Weller’s legacy.The Aurelian 801 vase is typically characterized by its graceful, slightly elongated shape, often described as a bulbous form tapering towards a gently flared rim.
It stands approximately 10-12 inches tall, though slight variations may exist due to the handmade nature of the production. The vase’s color palette is diverse, ranging from deep, rich browns and greens to more subtle earth tones and occasionally incorporating hints of other colors depending on the glaze application. The material is primarily a high-fired earthenware, known for its durability and ability to hold vibrant glazes.
The surface texture is generally smooth, though some examples might exhibit subtle variations due to the hand-crafting process.
Manufacturing Process of the Aurelian 801 Vase
The Weller Pottery company employed skilled artisans in a multi-stage process to create the Aurelian 801 vase. First, a potter would throw the basic form on a spinning potter’s wheel, carefully shaping the clay into the desired profile. This initial form would then be allowed to dry slightly before undergoing further refinement and trimming. After the initial shaping, the vase would be decorated, often with applied details or intricate glaze techniques.
The application of the glaze itself was a crucial step, often involving multiple layers and careful firing to achieve the desired color and sheen. Finally, the vase was fired in a high-temperature kiln, a process crucial for achieving the durability and rich color characteristic of Weller pottery. The entire process was labor-intensive, contributing to the high quality and collectible nature of the finished product.
Historical Overview of the Weller Aurelian Line
The Aurelian line represents a significant chapter in Weller Pottery’s history, produced during the company’s peak period of artistic innovation, roughly spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The line is characterized by its diverse range of shapes and glazes, reflecting the evolving tastes and artistic trends of the era. The Aurelian line’s designs frequently incorporated elements of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts styles, emphasizing organic forms and flowing lines, often incorporating nature-inspired motifs.
The line’s popularity contributed significantly to Weller Pottery’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality art pottery in the United States. While specific production dates for the 801 model are difficult to pinpoint without individual markings, its style places it firmly within the company’s most prolific and artistically successful period.
Significance of the “801” Designation, Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801
The “801” designation is a model number assigned by Weller Pottery to this specific vase design within the Aurelian line. Weller, like many pottery manufacturers of the time, used a numbering system to track and identify their various models. This number served as an internal identifier for production, inventory management, and potentially cataloging purposes. While the precise meaning of “801” within Weller’s internal system is not publicly documented, it serves as a crucial identifier for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to authenticate and categorize specific pieces within the vast Weller Pottery catalog.
The number provides a specific reference point for identifying this particular shape and glaze combination within the broader Aurelian line.
Visual Representation: Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801
The Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801 presents a striking visual profile, characterized by its elegant form and richly textured surface. Its overall aesthetic blends classic design principles with a distinctive artistic flair, making it a captivating piece for any collection. The vase’s graceful curves and subtle details invite closer inspection, revealing the artistry and craftsmanship involved in its creation.The vase’s form is distinctly urn-shaped, exhibiting a balanced symmetry.
It features a gently swelling body that gracefully tapers towards both the neck and the base, creating a pleasing visual rhythm. The texture of the vase is not uniformly smooth; rather, it possesses a subtle, almost imperceptible roughness that adds depth and character to its appearance. This tactile quality is likely a result of the pottery’s inherent properties and the glaze application process.
Delicate, almost imperceptible, variations in the surface contribute to the overall visual richness. There are no overtly prominent markings or inscriptions; the beauty lies in the subtle interplay of form, texture, and color.
Base Design
The base of the Aurelian vase is a substantial, slightly flared foot, providing stability and enhancing the vase’s overall aesthetic balance. It is not a simple disc but exhibits a subtle, almost imperceptible, molding that gently curves outwards before meeting the main body of the vase. This design element prevents the vase from appearing top-heavy and contributes to its elegant, grounded presence.
The base is consistent in color and texture with the rest of the vase, maintaining visual harmony.
Glaze Characteristics
The glaze of the Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801 is a key element in its visual appeal. Its application is even and consistent, creating a smooth, lustrous surface that reflects light beautifully. The color is described as a rich, deep amber, though subtle variations in tone are visible upon close examination. These variations are not random; rather, they suggest a deliberate artistic approach, creating a depth and complexity that transcends a uniform hue.
The glaze possesses a slight sheen, enhancing its luminosity and adding to its overall richness. The texture of the glaze itself is smooth to the touch, but the subtle textural variations in the underlying pottery are faintly perceptible beneath the surface.
The Weller Pottery Aurelian Decorative Vase 801 stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century American artistry and craftsmanship. Its unique blend of form and function, coupled with its historical significance and collectible status, makes it a highly sought-after piece for enthusiasts and collectors. By understanding its design elements, production history, and proper care techniques, we can fully appreciate the beauty and value of this iconic vase, preserving its legacy for years to come.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply an admirer of fine craftsmanship, the 801 vase offers a captivating glimpse into a rich artistic heritage.
