Presenting an excellent work of creative glaze decor by American pottery Freeman-McFarlin. This piece is from Freeman-McFarlins Fine Arts Line, with the form of the ceramic dish bearing an abstract bear paw print. The golden toned glaze is a dispersed dappled effect of matte and gloss glaze, creating an unusual effect, such as what might be found when ice freezes on glass.
The circular depression of the paw print bears a pale duck egg blue gloss glaze, brushed outwards from the centre and at the centre, sits a hint of charcoal glaze. The abstract and simply designed form of the dish is a superb canvas for the richly detailed glaze.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Freeman McFarlin was founded by Gerald McFarlin and Maynard Anthony Freeman in the 1927 and they operated McFarlin Potteries in El Monte California.
Early production took place at the El Monte factory, and in 1968 a second plant was added in San Marcos due to the popularity of the pieces; however the success was short lived and The El Monte factory closed permanently in 1975 with operations consolidating at the San Marcos plant.
In 1980 Hagen-Renaker bought the San Marcos plant and acquired all of the Freeman-McFarlin Pottery operations. Hagen-Renaker continued to use many of Freeman McFarlin designs and continued to make figurines until the factory closed in 1986.
Freeman McFarlin used multiple colours on their figurines including light/tan brown, gold leaf, silver leaf, yellow, red, black, green, brown, white, and a lladro like blue/white. White and gold were by far the most common colours. Freeman McFarlin also produced ceramic wall hangings of mermaids and other characters that are hugely popular.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or scratches. There is mild age wear (gentle crazing) that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The back of the plate bears the original 'Freeman-McFarlin, Originals, Fine Arts Line, El Monte, California' label and also 'Crystal Crackle Jewel Glaze' description label.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 1.4" / 3.5 cm thick (from base to rim) x c. 9" / 23 cm in diameter. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.4 kg / 377 g
NOTES
Ceramic will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.