Wallace Martin (1843-1924) received formal art training as a sculptor, but later worked at the Doulton Lambeth pottery, where he learned the essentials of making, decorating and firing stonewares. He was joined by his three younger brothers, two of whom had also been taught art and worked at Doultons, in the establishment of the first craftsman-led pottery. The brothers undertook all aspects of the making, decorating and firing of their work, anticipating the pattern of studio pottery working during the twentieth century.This particular example of their work is an oviform vase, set on a short stem, flat foot. The neck is blue glazed and is pierced with drop-shaped motif, while the upper part of the body is pierced with an interlaced semi-circle and zig-zag pattern, also in blue.The rest of the body has a bluish glaze.