Victorian Majolica Glazed Ceramic Match Striker c.1870

This is a charming example of a ceramic match striker in classic ‘Majolica’ style and dating to the mid-to-late 19th century.

The upper part is conical in form and is ridged to give a roughened surface, on which matches could be struck. The central hollow portion would have been used to store matches. The whole sits on a short ‘stem’ above a wide hollow base.

The interior and lower part of the striker are glazed in purple, with the ridged area glazed in white. The ‘stem’ and base have a mottled turquoise, yellow and brown finish, reminiscent of Whieldon ware.

The underside of the base has a central hole about 2.5cm in diameter. It is crudely glazed in yellow and unmarked.

It has a maximum height of approximately 7.4cm and a diameter across the rim of about 4.9cm. The maximum diameter of the base is about 12.1cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 350g.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although it has been crudely made and decorated. There are a few areas where the underlying ceramic has been ‘missed’ by the decorator, particularly on the base and rim (see pictures). There is some minor crazing to the glaze.