About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware decanter, that has hand painted and sgraffito decoration in the form of heart-shaped leaves with snaking stems, set in alternate light/dark panels, all covered in green glaze.
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 Bare's skill as a colourist as she controlled the pigmentation of the glaze both before and after firing. It also contains art nouveau influences with the heart-shaped leaves, but still references the Arts and Crafts obsession with nature.
