Moorcroft Hibiscus Vase & Comport Set

• Tubelined - In tubelined decoration, a thin line of clay is piped on to the surface of the object through a nozzle to define the design outlines, then the glazes are poured into the areas of the object that are created behind the shallow "dams" formed by the tube-lined decoration.
  
  Tubelined decoration was extensively used by Moorcroft Pottery. It was an expensive decorating technique, owing to the many possibilities of error in manufacture.
• Dating English Ceramics - Excellent detailed reference books such as Godden's Encyclopaedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks will help to identify and date specific manufacturer's marks.
  
  However, there are a few simple guidelines which may also help.
  
  The inclusion of the word 'England' on an item ensured compliance with the American McKinley Tariff Act 1891, which was important for British exporters. An item so marked would have been made after 1891.
  
  In 1921 the act was revised to require the phrase 'Made in' followed by the country. So if an item is marked 'Made in England', it is generally considered to be made after that date, although some manufacturers were using this phrase pior to the act being changed.
  
  The use of the word 'Ltd' of 'Limited' after a company's name indicates a date after 1860, though with ceramic manufacturers this did not become general practice until the 1880's.
• Tazza - A tazza is a shallow saucer-like dish, either mounted on a stem and foot, or on a foot alone, used for drinking or serving small items of food. The word is derived from the Italian for "cup", plural tazze. Tazza are usually found in silver, ceramics or glass.
• Comport - A comport is a type of decorative serving dish or bowl, typically used for desserts, fruits or other sweet treats. The comport is usually made from glass, silver or porcelain, which are materials known for their elegance and durability. They are often beautifully designed and decorated, and can be used as an elegant and decorative centerpiece for a table or dining room. They are also widely used as a decorative piece on the mantelpiece, sideboard, or other areas of the house.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Moorcroft Pottery (England), item types
  • comports & centrepieces 31
  • trays 24
• Moorcroft Pottery (England), patterns - Hibiscus pattern 147