Trunk And Key

For all the Star Wars fans, a framed and matted Darth Vader picture with James Earl Jones photo with signature. I have no way of authenticating this signature. It appears real to me, but I will let you be the judge. All in lovely condition. A little over 14” x 11”x 1.25”. $90.00. (I apologize for the reflection.)

I love quirky, hand-tinted, vintage prints, such as this one entitled “Adventures in a Snoozing Cellar.” From afar, the print looks serious, but up-close, the scene is comical set in an Irish brothel, the original etching was one of several included in the 1821 book “Real Life in Ireland; or, the Day and Night Scenes, Rovings, Rambles, and Sprees, Bulls, Blunders, Bodderation, and Blarney, of Brian Boru Esq., and his elegant friend Sir Shawn O’Dogherty…” Inside matting image shows as 6.75” x almost 5”. A tiny bit of paint missing from inside of painted glass frame. 42.00.

A vintage ruffled rim Crown Devon creamware pitcher. Made in England in the 1950’s, this pitcher has a chip which has been lovingly mended. The joint has darkened a little over time. Please see photos. A little over 7” tall to highest point of the rim. $24.00. Pickup only please.

A vivid jewel-toned vintage Moorcroft “Leaf and Berries” bowl with glossy blue and green ombré background made in England, 1947-1950. Just under 4.5” in diameter and 1.5” tall. Stamped Moorcroft Made in England on the bottom of the base. Perfect condition with no cracks or chips. $62.00.

*SOLD*As most people know, I love ceramics! I studied many styles of ancient pottery during the 14 years I spent in University. I wrote my PhD dissertation on a type of pottery called Boeotian Black Figure Floral Ware. Having been immersed in Floral Ware for so many years, it is really no surprise that I fell immediately in love with Moorcroft pottery when I discovered it.

Moorcroft pottery was founded by William Moorcroft at the end of the 19th century after graduating from what is now the Royal College of Art in London and having been employed as a pottery designer for James Macintyre & Co. Very early in his career, Moorcroft gained recognition
for his beautifully designed wares, having won many gold medals and awards. Moorcroft's hand-decorated pottery was known for its distinctive luxurious floral and vegetal motifs and glaze and a technique where he trailed slip throughout his design called "tubelining". The popularity of Moorcroft pottery only increased after being granted a royal warrant in 1928 by Queen Mary who was known for being a collector of Moorcroft pottery herself. Moorcroft was sold in luxury retail establishments such as Harrods and Tiffany & Company. In 1945, Walter Moorcroft took over his father's company and oversaw production until 1987. Moorcroft pottery continues to be produced today.

I was fortunate to acquire two Moorcroft bowls just recently. The larger of the two is presented here. It is part of the Pansy Series. The colour of the glaze is difficult to capture with a camera. In a room with bright light, the bowl appears to be a dark royal blue, but in a room with lower light levels, the blue darkens to a shade that is almost black. A rich, voluminous pansy is painted on the inside of the bowl. The entire bowl is extremely glossy. The base is signed by Moorcroft himself in green paint as is typically seen on pieces of the time. It is stamped "Moorcroft Burslem" identifying the bowl as being created between 1914-1916 with an impressed shape number. There are some air bubbles in the glaze and two portions of slip or clay under the glaze on the pansy. Some crazing evident on the bottom of the base. The bowl measures 6" in diameter and almost 3" high. $68.00. Complimentary packaging and delivery in Toronto. DM me with questions.