I do not regularly collect ceramics, but I recently came across an armorial baluster vase, which I thought was worth purchasing. An #armorialbalustervase is tall and made of soft-paste porcelain. It may or may not have a lid. They originated in China, where they were used to transport liquids. In Europe, they became more of a decorative item. Those with lids were often created in pairs or sets for decorative use and are known as a ‘garniture’. Those without lids were meant to display floral bouquets or other items. The lids were often decorated with small finials such as lions or flower buds as well as being decorated in the same style as the vase body.

As seen, the vase bears the Coat of Arms of #TheDukeofGrafton. This version of the seal dates from around 1790. The motto reads as Et Decus Et Pretium Recti “Both the ornament and the reward of virtue.” As we rotate the vase, we see the arms portion without its supporters, crest, mantle, and helm.

On the very opposite from this insignia, we find the #Beaufort/Somerset family crest. The arms are once again displayed without its supporters, crest, mantling, and helm.

The Grafton family and the Somerset/Beaufort family are joined through the marriage (1711) of Charles Fitzroy, 2nd Duke of Grafton to Lady Henrietta Somerset, who was the daughter of the Marquess of Worcester.

Opposite the Duke of Grafton’s family crest, we find the full crest of the Beaufort/Somerset family. The motto on the banner reads Mutare Vel Timere Spermo “I scorn to change or fear.” Once again, I believe this version of the crest dates to the late 1700’s.

The vase is completely hand decorated. It bears no signature or date, so I will hazard a guess that it it a 19th century piece but could possibly be the 18th century. A finely produced piece.