Vintage H J Wood Burslem Ceramic Wall Pocket Gold Lustre Pattern 1808 circa 1950

Vintage H. J. Wood Burslem Ceramic Wall Pocket – Gold Lustre, Pattern 1808, circa 1950s

A wonderfully decorative vintage ceramic wall pocket made by H. J. Wood Ltd of Burslem, Staffordshire, dating from around the late 1940s to the 1950s.

This striking wall-mounted vase has a beautifully sculptural form, resembling a stylised shell, leaf or seed pod. The moulded body is finished in a softly creamy white glaze, with gently ribbed panels divided by sweeping bands of rich metallic gold lustre. A gilded rim completes the design, giving the piece a glamorous late Art Deco appearance that sits beautifully within both vintage and contemporary interiors.

The curved shape projects elegantly from the wall, creating attractive shadows and reflections as the light catches the lustred decoration. It would originally have been used to display small arrangements of fresh or dried flowers, although it is equally appealing displayed empty as a piece of decorative wall pottery.

The reverse bears the printed factory mark:

H. J. Wood Ltd

Burslem

England

together with the hand-applied number 1808, believed to be the factory’s shape or decoration reference. An integral keyhole-shaped aperture allows the wall pocket to be hung securely from a suitable wall fixing.

Maker history

H. J. Wood was established in Burslem during the late 19th century and became known for producing a broad range of decorative Staffordshire pottery. The company made ornamental jugs, bowls, vases, wall plaques and wall pockets, often combining traditional ceramic forms with bold moulded decoration and fashionable glazes.

During the mid-20th century, H. J. Wood produced many highly decorative pieces designed to brighten post-war British homes. The combination of sweeping form, ribbed moulding and gold lustre seen here reflects the continuing influence of Art Deco design during the late 1940s and 1950s.

Condition

This wall pocket is offered in good, honest vintage condition.

There are no hairline cracks visible and no obvious major chips or restoration. The ceramic remains structurally sound.

As shown clearly in the photographs, there is:

fine age-related crazing to the glaze

brown staining and discolouration inside the wall pocket, consistent with previous use for flowers and water

some general marks and surface wear

rubbing, scratching and small areas of wear to the gold lustre

minor age-related imperfections around the rim and edges

The interior staining has been left visible rather than disguised, as it forms part of the piece’s genuine vintage history. The exterior still displays very well, with the gold decoration retaining plenty of warmth and shine.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Why we love it

This is a wonderfully glamorous piece of mid-century Staffordshire pottery. The gold and creamy white palette feels luxurious without being overpowering, while the unusual shell-like form gives it real sculptural presence.

Perfect for a vintage bathroom, bedroom, hallway or gallery wall, it would also make a characterful holder for dried flowers, faux foliage or seasonal displays.

Summary

Vintage H. J. Wood Burslem ceramic wall pocket, circa 1950s, with ribbed cream glaze and bold gold lustre decoration. Honest vintage condition.