BY THE IMPERIAL PORCELAIN FACTORY, ST PETERSBURG, PERIOD OF NICHOLAS II, 1903 marked under base with green underglaze factory mark
Height 31.5 cm (12 1/2 inches)
Max diameter approx 33 cm (13 inches)
Base diameter 19 cm (7 1/2 inches)
Base diameter 14 cm (5 1/2 inches)
It is highly probable that the artist behind the decoration is either Konstantin Krasovsky or Rudolf Wilde. Both were leading masters of underglaze painting at the Imperial Porcelain Factory in the early 20th century. They specialized in botanical motifs where plants—in this instance, juniper branches - were rendered with scientific precision, yet executed in a soft, atmospheric "misty" style.The shape of the vase—featuring a wide ovoid body with a tapered neck—is a classic IPF model from this era, heavily influenced by the Danish aesthetic of Royal Copenhagen. The form was likely originally conceived by August Spiess, the factory's master modeler, whose designs remained in use for several decades.
A similar vase is held in the collection of the State Historical Museum and is illustrated in the book Imperial Porcelain Factory 1744-1904.
Condition
Overall condition is good. The body has no cracks or chips. There is slight yellowing along the very edge of the vase’s neck (possibly traces of an old restoration to the rim of the neck). Visually, nothing is noticeable apart from the faint yellowish tint.