From a private collection sold at Woolley & Wallis, 18 June 2014.

Source Description:

Blue and white jardiniere standing on tripod feet, Japan, Edo period, 1860-1862. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.  Inv. FE.11-2004.

Description:

Earthenware, printed in blue depicting flying cranes (Japanese symbol of longevity) above a stylized seascape. The design is attributed to Dr Christopher Dresser who traveled to Japan and was deeply inspired by Asian art. The composition of the tile relates directly to a blue and white jardiniere standing on tripod feet, Japan, Edo period, 1860-1862 that was exhibited at the 1862 International Exhibition in London and later acquired by the South Kensington Museum (now Victoria and Albert Museum) Inv. FE.11-2004.

Dresser created a multitude of designs for Mintons however none of the pieces made by the factory bear the designer's trademark signature. This tile can be identified as Dresser's design based on drawings in the Minton archives.

Literature - Michael Whiteway 'Christopher Dresser, 1834-1904', Skira, page 56 plate 11 this design illustrated. . Page 56 plate 10 for the three tile run of blue stylised carnations.