About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware pot in a bulbous form that tapers at the rim and foot. It is slip coated with sgraffito and hand painted decoration in the form of recurring stylised sunflower heads in yellow on a deep blue background.
Ruth Bare was the daughter of an architect and art writer. She received training at a local art school as well as at the Liverpool 'Art Sheds'. She joined the pottery at age 16 and stayed for the majority of its existence as a colourist. When the pottery closed, she settled into domestic life, marrying Positivist minister Otto Baier and having four sons together.
This piece demonstrates the artist's ability to combine the Arts and Crafts obsession with nature with an Art Nouveau style. By leaving the inside of the sunflower devoid of colour, it is also reminiscent of a clam shell. It can be suggested that this is an early piece as the glazing spreads out past the sgraffito lines, before the artist refined her technique.Â
MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)
Maker Rolemanufacturer
MakerBare, Ruth (1880-1962)
Maker Roledesigner
Date Madec.1896-1906
Period19th century
Medium and Materialsearthenware
Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside
Style and IconographyArts and Crafts
Inscription and Marksgalleon motif with initials either side
D R
Method: inscribed
Position: base
