AN intricately crafted Royal Worcester reticulated teapot in the manner of George Owen will be one of the stars of Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s antiques sale on Thursday, November 1.

The technique of piercing was developed in the 1880s to imitate Oriental and Indian ivory carving. George Owen (1845–1917) perfected the art of piercing, producing individual, unique patterns of tiny holes, designing them to fit accurately onto totally blank areas. Every hole was cut by hand using an oiled knife when the clay was still damp. One slip of the knife would mean starting again!

Describing the teapot valuer Simon Rayner said: “It’s a tour de force of craftsmanship.”

The dainty teapot is guided at £400-£600. It is on view on Saturday at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, from 9am-12.30pm along with the rest of the lots going under the hammer.

Further opportunities to view the sale, which includes a specialist book and map section, will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9am-5pm.

A final chance to view will take place on Thursday, November 1, from 8.30am. The sale commences at 10am.

It features a high calibre range of ceramic offerings including a vase by Florence Barlow – a big name who worked for Doulton for nearly 40 years.

Florence joined Doulton in 1873 and remained until 1909. She was renowned for her varied and meticulous output. She specialised in bird studies. The vase in the November sale is decorated with three pigeons.

More unusually the sale will also include a rare cup and saucer by the Swiss factory Nyon.

If you are looking for decorative delights there are a range of Swarovski crystal figures, which should hit the spot and provide potential Christmas gifts.

With the festive season around the corner the sale could also offer a good opportunity to stock up on wine and champagne glasses as a selection of Waterford Crystal is included in the auction.

Catalogues are available from the saleroom or online at www.gth.net/antiques