Moorcroft Source of the Sun Prestige Vase

Numbered Edition

H 45 cm

Designed by Paul Hilditch

It was Tracy Taylor, doing her Works Manager’s round of the Nile Street decorating department, who found a biscuit-fired, carp pool plaque, but which had lain lost and forgotten on a covered shelf. She gave it to Paul Hilditch who worked his magic and converted an unglazed and abandoned plaque into a prestige vase inspired by the artistry of Japan, whose name literally translated means ‘source of the sun’.  

Like so much of the very best Japanese work, Paul’s vase delivers three images at one and the same time. First and foremost, there are the koi carp placed in garden ponds to glisten and sparkle in the sunshine, but eventually symbolising, success, ambition, perseverance and advancement in life. Magnificent storks also grace the vase, just as they adorned the furnishings of the aristocracy and their sliding doors and screens in temples and castles. Their owners suggested that they were symbols of longevity and prosperity and used them to display congratulatory messages.

Such a prestigious work of Japanese inspired art would not be complete without geishas. Paul gives us three ladies, each clothed in gorgeously woven gowns, created from Paul’s vivid imagination.  In the background, Mount Fuji soars into the sky with a burning rising sun illuminating the land, its people and wildlife below.  

Yet when all of this is said and done, nothing reaches out to the pure heart of this prestigious contribution to the applied arts than the inclusion of white doves of peace carrying swords. This symbolises the end of war and honours those who lost their lives, but Paul also reminds us that in Greek mythology, the dove was a symbol of love.  This is a prestige vase with many meanings, each enhancing the complex tubelining and painting that is synonymous with Paul’s unique design style.