Mid-20th Cent. Lusterware Vase With Dolphins Ocean Floral Motifs Vibrant Colors

Lusterware, characterized by its iridescent, metallic sheen, has a long history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and was revived and popularized in various forms throughout the centuries, notably in Islamic pottery and later in European ceramics. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lusterware experienced a resurgence, particularly in Japan and England, where it was used to create decorative items with a distinctive shimmering effect, often applied to porcelain and earthenware. This technique involves firing the glazed ceramic with a metallic compound, which then produces the rainbow-like iridescence when fired in a reducing atmosphere.
This particular vase, with its marine life and floral motifs, is a decorative ceramics produced in the mid-20th century, a period when such items were popular for home decor. The combination of dolphins and a pearlescent finish suggests a theme aimed at evoking a sense of the ocean and a luxurious aesthetic. While not typically considered fine