Seconds Ampulla 5/4 Vase

The anointing is the most sacred part of the coronation ceremony, and takes place before the investiture and crowning. Traditionally, the Archbishop pours holy oil from an ampulla, into a spoon, and anoints the sovereign on the hands, chest and head. The gesture dates back to the Old Testament Book of Kings and the anointing of Solomon as King.

Reflecting a modern monarchy, the ancient recipe for the coronation anointing oil has been updated to include olive oil scented with a mix of essential oils, benzoin, cinnamon, jasmine, neroil, rose, sesame, with orange blossom also added. It was these coronation emblems that inspired Nicola to create a design fit for our new King. Oranges and burnished brown cinnamon sticks sit amongst white roses with soft cream shading at their centres, and small star-shaped jasmine flowers - all set against the dramatic backdrop of a classic Moorcroft dark blue ground.

The ampulla dates back to Roman time, and was a small round vessel with two handles, used for sacred purposes. Nicola wanted to emulate this ancient shape with her contemporary design and so Moorcroft’s classic twin-handled vase has been reimagined for King Charles III’s coronation on a new and smaller shape to mark this very special historic occasion.

What is a Moorcroft second?
All our art pottery is closely inspected before it leaves the Moorcroft factory and the selection process is as rigorous as any in the world. As a result, not all pieces emerge unblemished in their quality assessment. The fault or faults may be in the finish of a piece, whether it be a tiny tubeline miss, an incorrectly painted petal, or a small glaze run. Seconds are not ‘red-dotted’, all of them are far too good for that, and each seconds piece has a charm and individuality of its own. Any fault is not structural and the piece can still be used for the purpose it was made. 

The 'Was' price shown is the Best Quality RRP of this design and shape.

A Gift Box is not supplied with this product

Was: £495.00
Ex Tax: £268.13

• Designer: Nicola Slaney
• Dimensions: H 10.00 x W 11.00 x D 11.00 cm
• Availability: In Stock