Scottish Motto Ware Spill Vase (Early 20th Century)

A charming small Scottish motto ware pot featuring the hand-painted Scots dialect phrase “Dinna be aye ettlin but just write at aince."

The saying translates loosely as “Don’t keep trying over and over – just write it once," a gently humorous reminder typical of late-19th to early-20th-century Scottish folk ceramics.

Finished in a warm cream crackle glaze with traditional slip-painted lettering and simple foliate decoration, this piece would originally have been used as a spill holder or small desk pot. Its compact proportions make it ideal for shelf styling, a writing desk vignette, or cottage-style interiors.

Condition: Very good vintage condition with even age-related crazing throughout the glaze. No chips or cracks observed.
Size: Approximately 7.5 cm wide × 4.5 cm tall. Collector Note This piece forms part of our Mid-Century Ceramics Curated Collection, featuring a considered selection of European and studio ceramic design from the mid-20th century, spanning the 1940s through to the late 1970s.

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