Crocus Bowl – Bizarre by Clarice Cliff, Newport Pottery, England

Description

Highly sought after and collectible, this is a colorful crocus bowl by noted designer Clarice Cliff. The British “Art Deco” stylized wares of the mid-1920’s and 1930’s were represented in Cliff’s designs and where once these were inexpensive earthenwares, over the past decade or so they have seen a resurgence in popularity and, according to books published on the subject, prices are increasing as are collectors. Clarice Cliff (1899-1972) began her design career in 1916, by joining A.J. Wilkinson’s Royal Staffordshire Pottery where she was taught how to mold, fire, gild and design pottery.  Sometime after 1927, she, along with a small group of assistants, began hand-decorating whitewares (mostly tablewares) featuring bold geometric designs in vivid colors.  Most of her designs are marked with her signature–as is this one. Hand-painted, this bowl measures 5 l/2″ in diameter and stands approx. 3″ tall. Colors are still vibrant, a few small pits and pops characteristic of earthenware here and there and just a hint of very light staining and scratches from use to inside.  Light staining may come out with a good soak, but I’ll leave that up to you! No chips, cracks, hairlines or repairs seen. A small pop on one leaf with missing color (use magnifying glass icon or hover your mouse over the bowl for more detail)–certainly nothing that detracts from this sought-after bowl.  A hint of roughness to bottom edge–nothing uncommon from a bowl having been used. Here’s your chance to own a Clarice Cliff piece at an affordable price. This is a fab display piece.