An English opaque-white glass vase and a cover, circa 1760

probably South Staffordshire, attractively painted in bright famille-rose colours with a continuous scene of a group of huntsmen and a pack of hounds in pursuit of a stag, while at the water's edge Chinese ladies and children play in an exotic setting and watch a group of sword-wearing foreigners presenting themselves to a man seated on a tree-trunk dais, the neck with a border of pink strapwork and foliage, the matched contemporary cover painted in a similar palette with a pierced vase, emblems and flowering plants

Related Literature
Robert Charleston, 'Le Verre Blanc Opaque Anglais' in Cahiers de la Céramique du Verre, no. 28, 1962;
Gilding the Lily, Delomosne & Son Ltd., exh. cat., London, 1978.

The vase excellent. The cover probably not matching, but contemporary; its knop with top half missing
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This remarkable vase is extremely rare and is undoubtedly one of the largest pieces in this class of English opaque-white glass to survive. 

This exceptional vase seems to be unrecorded in the literature.

The particularly fine and imaginative chinoiserie figure painting can be compared to other known examples once considered to have been decorated by William Edkins of Bristol. However, considering the high similarity to painting which appears on early Worcester porcelain and on Staffordshire salt-glaze, an origin in Staffordshire or Birmingham is now thought more likely.

A glass flask decorated with a similar complex group of chinoiserie figures was sold in these rooms, 5th November 1962, lot 28.