Arts and Crafts Grotesque Double-Faced Pottery Vase attributed to C.H. Brannam, 1901

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Description

Twin grotesque faces dominate the exterior of this characterful ceramic vessel. Each face displays exaggerated comic features, including peaked ridged … Read more Twin grotesque faces dominate the exterior of this characterful ceramic vessel. Each face displays exaggerated comic features, including peaked ridged eyebrows, creased eyelids, a broad bulbous nose, and an expansive grinning mouth framed by deep smile lines. The upper rim tapers inward slightly from the wider, rounded lower body, with textured hair-like ridges sweeping downward along the neck. Projecting outward from each side, large modelled ears double as practical loop handles, seamlessly connecting the opposing facial profiles. The exterior is finished in a vibrant, high-gloss lead glaze in varying tones of green. This glaze pools heavily within the deeply carved facial furrows, eyelids, and ear folds, creating dark olive and subtle blue-tinted accents that emphasise the three-dimensional relief against the paler green ground. Stylistically typical of the British Arts and Crafts movement circa 1901, the piece aligns closely with the grotesque novelty wares produced at the Litchdon Street Pottery in Barnstaple, Devon. Similar characterful anthropomorphic designs from this era are frequently linked with modelers associated with the workshop, including Beauchamp Whimple. While the vase is unmarked to the base, the expressive modelling, earthenware body, and fluid coloured glazes are entirely characteristic of Devon art pottery of this period. Designed as a decorative vase or grotesque display piece, the hollow interior is glazed to the inner rim. The piece measures approximately 16 cm in height and approximately 16 cm across the ears, resting securely upon a broad, flat circular base. See less