Canadian Museum of Civillization Queen Elizabeth II Coronation vase

Artist: British Pottery Manufacturer's Federation
Origin: Transfer from Library and Archives Canada
Accession: D-3160a-b
Period: 1953
Materials: Porcelain

This rare vase, designed by John Wadsworth, was handcrafted on behalf of the British Pottery Manufacturers’ Federation to honour the Coronation. An elaborate work of porcelain, only 13 examples were made. The original was presented to the Queen herself, while one went to each of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom. Every Commonwealth nation – then seven in number – received one, and a final copy was given to the United States. The vase features many national symbols, including the maple leaf of Canada. Miniature “Queen’s Beasts” surround the base.