Portmeirion Dolphin Early Vintage Small Conical Lidded Jar Rice. Very Rare, SM-D45

A Beautiful Early Vintage Portmeirion Dolphin design Small Lidded Storage Jar in Pale Blue, by Susan Williams-Ellis.
This is an extremely rare lidded storage jar in pale blue. The gold banding is in 22 carat gold gilding.

This is one of the very early Dolphin designed pieces of Portmeirion pottery, featuring only the central part of the design with it's architectural motif with pediments along with the word Rice, and doesn't include the Dolphins used later. 

There is age related crazing all over. The backstamp is the early Portmeirion Ware mark.

This exact item is featured in Stephen McKay's book "Portmeirion Pottery" on page 35.

This will be supplied with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen McKay.

Approx Dimensions:-

3.5 in (9 cm) tall to top of the lid 

3.5 in (9 cm) top diam 

Dolphin

The Dolphin design was initially produced by Gray's exclusively for the Portmeirion shops. This design in all it's colours would easily harmonise with any kitchen colour scheme. The design consists of an architectural type pediment motif in the centre, with a stylised dolphin either side. The very centre can either contain shells or text. The entire motif is then surrounded by stylised swags of leaves or possibly seaweed knowing Susan's love of marine life. The Dolphin range was produced in lime, grey, orange, dark green, lavender, turquoise and pink on various shapes and items. Very early items were produced with the sumptuous Sunderland-style pink lustre and carry the Gray's clipper backstamp. The design probably ceased production by 1968 and has become one of the most collectable designs today. A must for any Portmeirion collector.