Historical information

The caravel type ship with the cross represents the Santa Maria of Christopher Columbus. It is one of the symbols of the great sea explorers.

A similar vase on sale on Ebay (April 2023) suggesting it was mass produced.

Significance

One of the many decorative furnishings which date from the intense service periods of the Mission from the 1930s through to the 1960s.

Physical description

White painted ceramic vase on shallow circular foot with relief design of a stylised sailing ship (caravel) on one side. Original colour appears to have been green.The foremost sail of the ship bears a cross; small chip on rim.