The first 157 lots of this decorative arts sale at Gardiner Houlgate on 20 February was devoted to the comfy and colourful ceramics of Clarice Cliff, perfect for any farmhouse kitchen.
A Sunray Bizarre vase from the Louis and Susan Meisel Collection with a faint hairline crack – shape 186, 51/2in (14cm) high – made the top price of the day selling at £2900.
Other Clarice Cliff pieces included
a Spire conical sugar sifter of the same height which made £1000, a Gibraltar Fantasque Bizarre cake plate with fluted rim, 93/4in (24cm) diameter, took £780, a Sunrise Fantasque single-handled Isis vase of the same height with a hairline crack to the base took £650 and an Oranges Bizarre coronet jug (shape 30), 7in (18cm) high, took £500. Except for the Sunray vase, all these prices fell within estimates but the popularity of the subject was such that 95 per cent of the section sold and raised £25,000.
A small section of Charlotte Rhead saw some notable bids. A tube-lined Bursley ware charger decorated with flowers and tulips in pastel shades, 141/2in (37cm) diameter, doubled expectations to make £370 and a Hydrangea charger, 16in (41cm) diameter, trebled forecasts with £470.
Elsewhere, a Liberty Tudric pewter mantel clock designed by Archibald Knox with blue enamelled dial and roundels; an earlyish example (number 0370) fitted with a later movement, attracted £2300.
A Goldscheider figure signed Lorenzl and modelled as a female dancer standing next to a jardinière of flowers, 18in (46cm) high, was kept to £2200 because of restoration to her shawl and a hand.
Gardiner Houlgate, Bath, February 20
Buyer’s premium: 15 per cent
Clarice Cliff pieces total £25,000
Decorative arts are especially popular in this part of the West Country, where New Age culture and the wealth of new technology has created a sympathetic market for antiques in general and the arts and crafts in particular.
