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Lot Essay
Solon's Illustrated Journal records this pair as complete between the 11th of December 1873 and the 11th of January 1874. To the right of the entry Birks, Mellor and the little recorded apprentice Worrall are listed as assisting with the ornamentation.
In the London International Exhibition of 1871, three pieces attracted comment from The Times, The Art-Journal, The Graphic, and the British, Belgian and French Commissions. One of the pieces receiving the highest praise was another little bottle by Solon with the cupid caught in the spider-web. The 1871 example is now conserved in the Bowes Museum, County Durham. See page 59 for an engraving of this vase from the Art-Journal Catalogue of The International Exhibition 1871, London.
Also see the Victoria & Albert Museum; Thomas Goode & Co. Ltd. Exhibition, Minton 1798-1910, London, 1976, p. 99, Catalogue TGI; and Masterpieces of Mintons, Bonhams, London, 5 October 2004, lot 118 for slightly variant single examples. As Solon chose this subject for his inaugural exhibition with Minton and received critical acclaim, it is likely that it was a personal favourite. The present lot is the only pair extant.
In the London International Exhibition of 1871, three pieces attracted comment from The Times, The Art-Journal, The Graphic, and the British, Belgian and French Commissions. One of the pieces receiving the highest praise was another little bottle by Solon with the cupid caught in the spider-web. The 1871 example is now conserved in the Bowes Museum, County Durham. See page 59 for an engraving of this vase from the Art-Journal Catalogue of The International Exhibition 1871, London.
Also see the Victoria & Albert Museum; Thomas Goode & Co. Ltd. Exhibition, Minton 1798-1910, London, 1976, p. 99, Catalogue TGI; and Masterpieces of Mintons, Bonhams, London, 5 October 2004, lot 118 for slightly variant single examples. As Solon chose this subject for his inaugural exhibition with Minton and received critical acclaim, it is likely that it was a personal favourite. The present lot is the only pair extant.