This exceptionally sculptural work of Italian mid-century Modern design by theBertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte (estd. c.1956 - c.1999). The form is that of a 3D crescent moon partially embedded into the surface the piece rests upon. Further elevating this piece is the richly silky glaze that invites touch, this glaze is one of two Bertoncello signature glazes called the Screziato. This particular shade is the Screziato Tabacco, a sumptuously glaze that is silky to touch, visually, it presents as a refined blending of rich, Golden Ochre, tinged with Sienna which gives added depth. Take a step back to view this piece as a whole and the glaze effect resembles leather or marbled stone.
Like many other Italian potteries that were popular during the mid-century period, little is known about the pottery but the exceptional quality of design undeniably speaks for itself.
This work would suit a space with Modernist, Minimalist and Mid Century décor, either as a standalone work of art ceramic or functionally as a vase or planter. The majestic size, refined form and overall condition of this piece makes it a rare find.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Most notable wear are the movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The base bears model number '972'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 10.2" / 26 cm. Length c. 11.4" / 29 cm (across body's longest point). Depth: c. 4.7" / 12 cm. Base measurements: c. 6" / 15.2 cm x c. 3" / 7.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,250 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Bertoncello Ceramiche D'Arte was founded in Schiavon, Italy around 1956 and was first known as LBP, an acronym created with the first letters of the founders surnames Mr Lini, Giovanni Bertoncello and Mr Pizzato.
For many years it was run solely by Giovanni Bertoncello (b. 1930 - d. 2011) and his brother Felice after Mr Lini left the company a few years after the pottery's founding. By the 1970s the pottery had grown to a staff of around 30 with Giovanni being the creative driving force behind the forms and glazes. In the early years Giovanni benefited from some support by a Venetian teacher, Mr. Boatto. Sadly not a lot is known about the company as all its catalogues and archives were destroyed when the company closed in 1999, however, the legacy of Bertoncello's design is undeniable in the history of Italian mid century art ceramics.
Bertoncello's signature designs are often very sculptural, with echoes from geometricism and modern architecture. Dramatic curves, rounded edges and corners, pierced forms and an organic feel are recurring features.
Shorter & Son, Art Deco Bauhaus Geometric Décor Raw Ocean Jasper Palette Planter, English, 1920s-30s
Regular price£77.00
Save £-77.00
This striking work of Art Deco design is by the English pottery Shorter and Son (estd. c. 1900 - c. 1964). The sculpted and abstract jardiniere form firmly displays architectural influences of Art Deco Bauhaus geometricism. The overall shape is that of an oval slice that is an excellent canvas for the tactile décor.
The décor is an alternating pattern arranged with the triangular ridges. The horizontal ridges stagger in height as they wrap around the body and are further complimented by vertical ridges of staggered height. Further elevating this piece is the sumptuous glaze that is a blended flow of Cream, Caramel, Mocha brown tones which are offset by the Steel grey-blue. The glaze palette is similar to that of Raw Ocean Jasper. The visual appeal of this piece is timeless in style but also very much a piece of Art Deco history.
CONDITION Very Good. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The most notable wear are mild marks on the interior of the planter and a minor flake to the glaze on the underside of the base that are commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The base bears Shorter and Son's stamp denoting 'Shorter and Son, Stoke on Trent, Made in England".
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Width: c. 7.1" / 17.8 cm (across widest point) x c. 6.1" / 15.6 cm (across deepest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.9 kg / 860 g
NOTES Jardiniere planter will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Before the 1920s, Shorter and Son (c. 1900 - 1964) produced Edwardian Majolica ware, creating a broad range of domestic and ornamental ware such as jardinieres, umbrella holders, bowls and vases. From the 1920s onward, their range only broadened however, they would adapt their designs to the burgeoning influences of the period. The design of their tableware and accessories for example reflected the Art Deco influences of the greats such as Clarice Cliff and Mabel Leigh designed for Shorter and Son from 1933 to 1935.
Sadly, in the early 1960s, the company faced the death of a director Arthur Colley Shorter as well as the loss of a factory in Copeland Street to a road development scheme. Finally, there were significant expenses to convert to smokeless firing to conform with the Clean Air Act. These factors resulted in a decision to accept an offer from S. Fielding & Co. Ltd the owners of Crown Devon around 1964.
Park Rose Pottery, Postmodern Ombre Cotton Candy Palette Textured Wave Planter, 1980s, British
Regular price£86.00
Save £-86.00
This striking and joyful work of 1980s Postmodern design is by British pottery Park Rose. Postmodern art and design are known for directly or indirectly borrowing from a range of design styles from the past. The form of this planter is a streamlined, Modern, and gently inverted lozenge shape that is an excellent canvas for the décor that echoes mid-century Op Art and Psy Art influences. The base glaze is a glossy white and juxtaposing this is the two, textured faces decorated in a cotton candy palette. The palette of Powdered Apple green, Lemon yellow, and Marshmallow pink is applied in an Ombre manner, where the textured wave pattern leads the colours to fade into one another:
This charming piece is stylistically contemporary and yet also prominently of its time, this piece works excellently for bright and joyful functional use.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips or repairs. The most significant wear is movement marks that is on the underside of the base and mild crazing all over that are commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the stamp 'Park Rose, Bridlington, England'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 5.2" / 13.3 cm. Width: c. 11.9" / 30.2 cm (across widest point). Depth: c. 5.8" / 14.7 cm. Base measurements: c. 9.2" / 23.3 cm x c. 9.8" / 9.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.6 kg / 1,630 g
NOTES Planter will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Park Rose Pottery 1982 - 2012 The Park Rose Pottery was founded by Anthony Kusmirek and Noel Rawson in 1982 with the original range consisting of vases, plant pot holders and ceramic lamp bases. The pottery went on to produce and sell a successful range of designer ware in their own right. Sadly, Park Rose Pottery ceased to trade in 2012 and it is unclear as to the reasons behind the closure.
Beswick Mid Century Atomic Influence, Modernist, Earth Tone Palette Stylised UFO Planter, 1950s-70s
Regular price£75.00
Save £-75.00
This sculptural work brings with it a seamless blending of Atomic era and Modernist design and is by British Pottery Beswick, a firmly celebrated name in British ceramics design. The sleek form is reminiscent of the Chemosphere house that was so iconic to Space Age Atomic design.
Complimenting the futuristic design is the silky semi-matte satin glaze décor applied in earthy graduating brown tones of Powdered Terracotta, Mocha Cream and Raw Umber for the central supporting pillar. This refined piece is stylistically timeless and yet also prominently of its era, the combination of the form with the colour palette makes it a rare find. This would suit a Minimalist inspired room as a standalone display piece or for functional use, such as a succulent planter.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips or repairs. The most significant wear is light use marks on the interior and movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the inscription 'BESWICK, ENGLAND' and the model number '2337'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 8.3" / 21 cm. Width: c. 5.1" / 13 cm (across widest point). Rim opening: c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm Base measurements: c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 615 g
NOTES Planter vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Beswick Pottery 1892 - 2002 The Beswick firm was founded as 'J W Beswick' in 1892 by James Beswick and his sons in Staffordshire and originally produced tableware and ornaments. The pottery was chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as animals and Beatrix Potter characters that have become highly sought after in the collectables market.
Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox. These works were often decorated in 'satin-matte' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s.
This deliciously tactile work of mid-century design by British company Beswick Pottery. The seemingly simple form is of stylised ripples like that of its art glass counterpart, the Fazzoletto handkerchief form.
The glaze décor is a satin, semi-matt gloss with a pale Butterscotch cream that is overlaid with variegated deep Chocolate brown that graduates into a base of deep Mint Grin. The combination of the form, colour palette, and condition makes this piece a rare find. This work would suit a vintage-inspired room as a standalone display piece or functionally as a succulent planter.
CONDITION Superb. There is mild use wear on the underside of the base and interior of the planter that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside of the base is stamped with 'MADE IN ENGLAND' and Beswick's model number '808'. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 6.5" / 16.5 cm tall (from base to rim). Width c. 12.1" / 30.8 cm in width (across widest point) x depth: c. 5" / 12.6 cm. Base measurements: c. 4.8" / 12.3 cm x c. 3.5" / 9 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.7 kg / 725 g
NOTES Planter bowl will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Beswick Pottery 1892 - 2002 The Beswick firm was founded as 'J W Beswick' in 1892 by James Beswick and his sons in Staffordshire and originally produced tableware and ornaments. The pottery was chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as animals and Beatrix Potter characters that have become highly sought after in the collectables market.
Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox. These works were often decorated in 'satin-matte' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s.
Shorter and Son, Art Deco Geometric Décor Peach and Mint Marble Planter, English, 1920s-30s
Regular price£55.00
Save £-55.00
This elegantly stylised work of Art Deco design is by the English pottery Shorter and Son (est. c. 1900 - c. 1964). The sculpted and abstract jardiniere form firmly displays architectural influences of Art Deco geometricism and echoes from the Art Nouveau period. The overall shape is that of a tiered and asymmetrically rounded-rectangle that is an excellent canvas for the tactile décor.
The décor is a touch-inviting pattern of stylised geometric accents; from the rounded angular borders trimming the tiers to the scalloped borders and flower-like segments. Further elevating this piece is the sumptuous glaze that is a blended dappling of Powdered Peach, Mint green, and Pale Indigo blue tones. The visual appeal of this piece is timeless in style but yet also very much a piece of Art Deco history.
CONDITION Very Good. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The most notable wear is a glaze-flaw, where the glaze was applied unevenly and subsequently created a wear. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The base bears Shorter and Son's stamp denoting 'Shorter and Son Ltd, Stoke on Trent, Made in Great Britain".
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm. Width: c. 8.6" / 21.8 cm (across widest point) x c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm (into deepest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 615 g
NOTES Jardiniere planter will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Before the 1920s, Shorter and Son (c. 1900 - 1964) produced Edwardian Majolica ware, creating a broad range of domestic and ornamental ware such as jardinieres, umbrella holders, bowls and vases. From the 1920s onward, their range only broadened however, they would adapt their designs to the burgeoning influences of the period. The design of their tableware and accessories, for example, reflected the Art Deco influences of the greats such as Clarice Cliff and Mabel Leigh designed for Shorter and Son from 1933 to 1935.
Sadly, in the early 1960s, the company faced the death of director Arthur Colley Shorter as well as the loss of a factory in Copeland Street to a road development scheme. Finally, there were significant expenses to convert to smokeless firing to conform with the Clean Air Act. These factors resulted in a decision to accept an offer from S. Fielding & Co. Ltd the owners of Crown Devon around 1964.
Empire Ware, Art Deco Iced Peach Tea and Turquoise Palette Diamond Planter Dish, British, 1920s-30s
Regular price£83.00
Save £-83.00
This stylised work of British art pottery piece is of English late-Art Deco design from the 1930s and is by the pottery Empire Ware.
Beautifully sculptural and seemingly simple, this piece is a manifestation of the significant technique needed to result in its evenly hand-formed body. The Art Deco accents appear most prominently in the softly geometric, diamond form. The hand-painted, silky, semi-matte glaze décor on the interior is a beautifully dappled blending of Iced/Powdered Turquoise that graduates into the Iced Peach Tea tones. The exterior décor is a reflection of the interior with the same tones.
This piece has a gracefully elegant presence, an embodiment of English Art Deco design from c. 85 years ago. The combination of its form, colour palette and condition makes it a particularly rare find.
CONDITION Superb. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild age-wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base and faint crazing all over that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is marked with Empire Ware's stamp.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 3.5" / 9 cm by c. 12.4" / 31.5 cm length (across longest point). Width c. 8" / 20.2 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3" / 7.5 cm. Weight: c. 0.6 kg / 600 g
NOTES Dish will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Empire Ware began life as Empire Works, producing earthenware and porcelain in 1896 in Stoke-on-Trent. The company lasted through the decades reinventing themselves a few times until the works became too difficult to modernise and led to their closure in 1967. In more recent times, the mark 'Empire Ware Made in Portugal' appeared on the market however, pieces from this company are known as a tribute and reproductions of the original company.
Charlotte Rhead for Crown Ducal, Art Deco Cream and Bronze Polka Dot Planter Dish | British, 1930s
Regular price£39.00
Save £-39.00
This elegant work of Art Deco design is by ceramics designer Charlotte Rhead (b. 1885 - d. 1947) for the English pottery Crown Ducal.
The form is mildly ridged and graduates outwards, creating a well balanced bowl. The softly geometric and pointed bronzed ridges, complemented by the tactile dots and band around the base makes the form cleanly sophisticated and classically Art Deco.
This excellent work of Rhead's iconic design makes for an stylish, edgy vessel to hold displays such as a planter for a succulents arrangement.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is however, natural and mild staining on the interior as well as light wear to the bronze elements that is commensurate with age. The underside of the dish is stamped with Crown Ducal's mark.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm tall (from rim to base) x c. 6.3" / 16 cm wide (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm. Weight: c. 0.6 kg / 635 g
NOTES Dish will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Charlotte Rhead (b. 1885 - d. 1947) was an English ceramics designer active in the 1920s and the 1930s in the Potteries area of Staffordshire. Rhead came from an artistic family and from the beginning of the 20th century, Charlotte began working for Wardle & Co. a pottery in the nearby town of Hanley. Though she did not stay long, it gave her the opportunity to learn the skill of tube-lining, which became a technique that would become characteristic to her career as a designer.
She secured her first engagement as a designer in the early 1900s at T&R Boote before joining her father at Wood & Sons. Rhead is well known for her association with Burgess & Leigh, where she was a designer from 1926 to 1931 and also her work at Crown Ducal from 1931 onwards.
Flaxman Ware att., 'Wisteria by Monet' Impressionist Palette Art Deco Diamond Planter Dish, 1930s
Regular price£83.00
Save £-83.00
This stylised work of British art pottery piece is of English late-Art Deco design from the 1930s, with a colour palette similar to that of Monet's 'Wisteria' Impressionist painting.
Beautifully sculptural and seemingly simple, this piece is a manifestation of the significant technique needed to result in its evenly hand-formed body. The Art Deco accents appear most prominently in the softly geometric, diamond form. The hand-painted, silky, semi-matte glaze décor on the interior is a beautifully dappled blending of Azure blue tones with Golden Sand, Teal Green and Chocolate Brown. The exterior décor is a reflection of the interior with the same tones that is edged at the base with the Chocolate Brown.
This piece has a gracefully elegant presence, an embodiment of English Art Deco design from c. 85 years ago. The combination of its form, colour palette and condition makes it a particularly rare find.
CONDITION Superb. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There mild age-wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is unmarked.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 3.5" / 9 cm by c. 12.4" / 31.5 cm length (across longest point). Width c. 8.3" / 21 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm x 3.9" / 10 cm. Weight: c. 0.6 kg / 600 g
NOTES Dish will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Wadeheath Ceramics 1867 - present Wadeheath Ceramics was originally founded in 1867, in Burslem, England, a collective of different pottery companies that specialised in earthenware and porcelain.
The original companies were:
Wade & Myatt (later became George Wade & Son, which made industrial ceramics and Wade Whimsies). Established 1867.
John Wade & Co (later Wade Heath & Co, which made decorative ware, particularly Art Deco vases in the 1930s). Established 1867.
J & W Wade (later AJ Wade Ltd, which made tiles, notably the original tiles for the London Underground). Established 1891.
Wade made its way into history with beautiful ceramic art ware known as Flaxman Ware in the Art Deco style by Wade Heath & Co and its figure collection known as Wade Whimsies that became hugely popular in the UK and America in the 1950s.
