Dear CAS Collectors:
I’m puzzled. I recently
acquired a figurine that appears to be from the same mold as those CAS cat
figurines of the 1940s. The markings,
however, a distinctly different, and much more elaborate. Any ideas?
Kitty
Dear Kitty:
From the photo you enclosed, the mold does appear to be that
of the Persian Cat Mother, designed by Betty Harrington for CAS, and
released in 1949. However, as you noted, the markings are quite different. The Persian
Cat Mother, as released, is all white. I do think though, that this is a
CAS Persian. While some overseas companies did knockoffs of Ceramic Arts
pieces, there would be evident differences in the mold, and the decoration
would be markedly inferior.
The correct answer should have you purring. At CAS,
decorators were often given the opportunity to decorate “lunch hour pieces” for
their own use, or to give as gifts. The molds were standard, but the decorators
had the opportunity to add individual flair in colors and glaze finishes, as
these pieces were not commercially released. Sometimes, the decorator of such a
piece would add her name on the base. The “lunch hour” term came about because
pieces like this were done on the decorator’s free time – for instance, during
a lunch break.
A “lunch hour” Persian Cat Mother such as yours can
fetch half again as much as the standard figurine – perhaps $60 versus $40.
Congrats on a find that would be catnip to any CAS
collector!
Dear CAS Collectors:
Recently at a show, I
had the opportunity to view a CAS pair I’d never run across before. These were
two leaf-shaped green plaques, each about 5-1/2” wide. Molded on each plaque
was a modernistic looking figure of a running deer. They didn’t have a Studio
marking on the backs, though.
When I saw the price
tag, I nearly passed out, so passed them by. Now I’m thinking I should have
bought them. What do you say?
Kickin’
Myself
Dear Kickin’:
Well, I was going to say “yikes”, but that would probably set you to kickin’ yourself all over again. So let’s just say that purchasing them would probably have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Uh-oh – I can hear that kickin’ starting up again!)
The Stylized Deer Plaques are among the rarest of Ceramic Arts Studio pieces. They really have no other counterparts in the CAS inventory. Released in 1953, the Deer Plaques were the work of associate designer Ulle Cohen, better known as “Rebus”. Although only at CAS for several years, “Rebus” contributed some imaginative pieces. He specialized in animal figurines that veered between the ultra-modern angular, and the ultra-realistic. (You can read more about “Rebus” in the “Animal Fair” article, elsewhere in this issue.)
The Deer Plaques resemble little else in the “Rebus” repertoire, since the remainder of his Studio work was figural. The deer have a flowing, Art Deco look in their styling. Because of that, and because the few that have surfaced are unmarked, many dealers mistakenly attribute them to an unnamed designer of the 1930s. But they’re most definitely by “Rebus”. The focus on line over detail was a recurring element in his work. And, while green was thought to be the only Deer Plaque colorway, an even nicer tan-and-brown single plaque was recently located by longtime CAS collector Jeffery Grayson. (A photo of that sensational find appears on the cover of this issue).
You don’t mention the price tag on the pair you passed up,
but in the early 2000s, the Deer Plaques were fetching $1000-1200. . .each.
Nowadays, a single plaque could reach $500-600. . .a still-heady range.
(Now, stop kickin’ yourself: Jeffery Grayson’s Deer Plaque will be among the offerings at this year’s Convention Auction – so you still have a fighting chance!)
Dear CAS Collectors:
I have a “Mary Quite
Contrary” plaque, and some of the red trim paint has worn off. I’ve never
encountered this before with a CAS piece. Someone told me it’s because the trim
was “cold-painted”. What does that mean?
I. C. Winters
Dear I.C.
Cold-painting refers to the process when paint was applied after
a piece was fired. This was only used when a color would not come out
correctly in the kiln – for instance, a true red. When fired, it often came out
a dull browny-red, so the presumably oil-based paint
was applied after, to the glazed surface. Because it is on the surface,
cold-painted colors are often susceptible to flaking.
Nowadays, certain of these paints can be cured in
low-temperature ovens, but in Studio days it’s presumed that the cold-painting
was allowed to dry at room temperature. Several pieces in the Studio’s
inventory employed this technique, which often consisted simply of the
application of black highlights, such as the Shadow Dancer’s scarves. The most intricate and extensive use of the
process, however, appeared late in the Studio’s history, with lavishly
cold-painted versions of such nursery rhyme characters as Little Miss Muffet, Jack Horner, and Goosey Gander, and your Mary Quite Contrary (always a charmer,
even with some flaking!)
Dear CAS Collectors:
What’s a CAS “lunch hour piece”?
I’m working up an appetite just thinking about it!
I. M. Hongree
Dear
Settle back with a snack, and let me explain. CAS
decorators were given leeway to do some decorating on their own free time, for
pieces they wanted to give as gifts, or just keep for themselves. Since that
free time was usually during lunch hours, the "lunch hour" term came
into use.
Although the standard figurines were used (which the
decorators purchased at cost), they were free to paint them as the mood struck.
These pieces were, of course, not sold commercially, but do show up at estate
sales and the like. Often, the decorator would actually sign the base of such a
"lunch hour" piece.
The two Lillibeths
shown on the cover of this issue are presumed to have been made as “lunch
hour” pieces. They
are beautifully decorated, in ways that were not standard at the Studio. The
maroon and green model may well have been prepared as a holiday gift, with the
maroon substituting for true red. The decoration of both pieces must have been
intensely time-consuming – not suited to regular production schedules, but just
the right projects for many a long lunch hour!
Now
enjoy your lunch!
Dear CAS Collectors:
What, exactly, is a “Chinthe”? I recently bought a piece at a garage sale with
that marking, and the Ceramic Arts Studio stamp. It looks like some sort of
angry dragon. Kind of scary, actually. What can you
tell me about it?
Fiercely Wondering
Dear Fiercely:
Well, if you think the Chinthe
looks scary, then he’s doing his job! The 1954 Ceramic Arts Studio catalog
describes this fellow as an “authentically styled Temple Guardian”. He was sold
along with two companion pieces, the Burmese Man & Lady, as part of
the Studio’s ongoing series of “foreign costume” figurines. The Man &
Lady are often found in a bisque finish, but more desirable are the heavily
decorated pair; the colors provide a nice complement to the brown or green
shaded Chinthe. As the figures were relatively
small (all under 5 inches), they proved difficult to intricately decorate,
which may explain their rarity. A current estimate for the Chinthe
is $175-200, and $200-225 each for the decorated Burmese.
Designer Betty Harrington recalled also wanting to design a “Burmese Temple” to go with this trio, but there’s no record that one was ever released.
Enjoy your Chinthe —
and think of his fierce scowl as just an over-eager grin!
Dear CAS Collectors:
I just bought a pair of
CAS figurines. They’re a squatting man and woman, kind of grumpy-looking, with
their hands up by their faces. Each figure has a slot in the back, like a piggy
bank. Who are they?
Banking On An Answer
Dear Banking:
You were lucky enough to run across Mr. & Mrs. Blankety Blank, designed by Betty Harrington for CAS in 1952. You’re right: they are banks, of a very particular type. Mr.& Mrs. are “swear banks”, Betty’s interpretation of the old-fashioned “cuss box”. According to the 1952 CAS catalog, “Mr. and Mrs. Blankety Blank have slots in the back of their necks. If anyone swears, a coin must be put in the bank of the opposite sex.”
The banks were only designed by Harrington in response to market demand; she often described them as her “least favorite” CAS pieces. Still, their “shocked” expressions (“an angry male and a horrified female”, said the catalog) make them cute as can be, and a favorite with collectors who will shell out $120-140 for each one. We swear!
Dear CAS Collectors:
On eBay recently, I saw
a beautiful (and very pricey) figurine of a kneeling lady clutching a giant
fish. The description said it was by Ceramic Arts Studio. Is it really? I’ve
never seen this one before.
Aquanetta
Dear Aqua:
Yes, the figurine
you ran across was designed by Betty Harrington for Ceramic Arts Studio. It’s
the Mermaid & Fish Vase, which, while not one-of-a-kind, had an extremely limited production
run. While an intriguing concept, it must have seemed rather unusual upon its
debut, circa 1948. The detail of the sculpting is amazing, especially when one
realizes that Betty carved most of it into the master mold itself -- in the
negative, so that when cast, the image would emerge in the positive. This
detail was further enhanced by the application of transparent glazes. Such
glazes only color the surface, rather than masking it; the more glaze that
collects in the grooves of a design, the darker the fired result will be. This
process was used to glorious effect in the Mermaid & Fish Vase, as
it’s possible to see all of the carved detail.
The Vase is 6-1/4” high, and, as noted, very few were produced. If you’re lucky
enough to run across one, it will set you back between (yikes!) $800-1000. For
the determined CAS collectors, it may prove worth every penny!
Dear CAS Collectors:
My wife and I recently
relocated, and while unpacking we unearthed a pair of ceramic figurines. My
wife thinks they belonged to her mother. Both are of ladies in long
yellowy-green gowns with hoods. Each is holding a black smiling mask, and has a
“Ceramic Arts Studio” stamp on the bottom, but that’s the only marking. They
are about 12” high. What can you tell me about them?
Stage Struck
Dear Struck:
From the description, your figures seem to be Comedy & Tragedy, designed by Betty Harrington for Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison, and released in 1950. The style reflects Betty’s interest in the modern dance costume designs favored by Martha Graham – lots of flowing, stretchy fabric, with just the hands and face revealed. Other CAS figurines from this period, particularly of dancers, show the same influence. In the 1980s, when Betty was doing ceramic work on her own, she designed another Comedy & Tragedy pair, but those two are quite different – they’re taller, and show some exposed leg.
Comedy & Tragedy came in a choice of several robe colors: among them, chartreuse (the yellowy-green you have), green, black, white, and deep green. In mint condition, an estimated current value for the pair would be $160-200.
Since the figurine bases are of a good size, they usually
have the figurine names stamped on them. As yours don’t, check those masks
again – unless you have duplicates, only one would be smiling; the other, Tragedy,
would be wearing a frown. (Editor’s Note: “Stage Struck” re-checked the
masks his figurines were holding, and found he did indeed have both “Comedy
& Tragedy”.)
Comedy & Tragedy are beautifully designed, and take center stage in many CAS collections. In fact, they were the first two I ever owned. (Thanks, Mom!)
Baby talk? That’s the topic this time around, as we dip once more into the “CAS Mailbag”!
Dear CAS Collectors:
Last summer while
antiquing, I came across a cute figurine of a sleeping black baby. I collect
Black
I was told this
figurine was by Ceramic Arts Studio of
Babe E. Face
P.S. After doing some
research on the history of CAS, ( to me the history is
equally as fascinating as the works themselves), I have become very interested
in collecting more Ceramic Arts pieces. I usually focus my antiquing on garage
and estate sales. It probably has something to do with the "thrill of the
hunt" -- eBay is too easy!
Dear Babe:
Your figurine, Baby Betty, is indeed by
Ceramic Arts Studio, and was designed by Betty Harrington, the Studio’s
principal designer. The release date was 1948. There were three additional
black baby figurines, Bobby, Billy, and Berty,
plus 4 Caucasian babies, Woody, Winney,
Willy, and Wally. The Studio catalog described them as
“adorable little babies in typical child poses”. Among those poses: “sleeping”,
the position favored by Betty and her Caucasian counterpart, Winney.
The Baby figurines are not found often, and a current price estimate
for Betty in mint condition would be $240-270.
For the 1998 through 2001 annual Conventions, the CAS Collectors Association
released special Commemorative versions of the Baby figurines, but
these were produced in a variety of glazes. The stamping on the bottom of your
figurine definitely marks it as a CAS original. (I'm envious: I’m still
looking for at least one CAS Baby for my own collection!)
Dear CAS Collectors:
I recently purchased a pair of Ceramic Arts Studio animal figurines. One’s
a donkey, marked “Dem” on the base. The other, an elephant, is marked “Rep”.
Who are these contenders?
Polly Tician
Dear Polly:
You are lucky enough to have two
CAS figurines inspired by a Presidential campaign. Dem the Donkey and Rep
the Elephant were released in 1952, in honor of their respective political parties.
That year, the candidates for President were Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai
Stevenson II (as you no doubt remember, “Ike” emerged victorious.)
Dem & Rep were designed for CAS by “Rebus” (Ulle
Cohen), the only designer besides Betty Harrington to make a significant
contribution to the Studio line. Rebus, a World War II refugee, worked for
several years at Ceramic Arts Studio during the early 1950s, and his figurines
feature a modern, angular flair. According to one CAS decorator, the
designer’s animals had a “lean and hungry look – like Ulle
himself”. Betty Harrington recalled that Rebus would spend hours observing and
sketching animals at
Dem & Rep are usually found as shakers, and, like most Rebus
figurines, are rather difficult to acquire. In mint condition, a current value
estimate would be $200-250 for the 3-3/4” pair. Larger 6" versions of
both animals were also released, but very few were manufactured, and seldom
turn up. When found, these range from $400-500 each. (If those are the ones
you’ve run across, you’re definitely an election year winner!)
Incidentally, Dem & Rep aren’t
the only Rebus donkey and elephant in the CAS menagerie. He also created the Mother
Donkey & Young Donkey, and the realistic elephant duo, Tembo & Tembino. Betty Harrington’s contributions to this theme include the
whimsical, flower-adorned Daisy
Donkey & Elsie Elephant (plus a rare Elsie Planter); Benny
Elephant & Baby Annie; the early Small Elephant -- Trunk Down,
(and the nearly impossible to find Large Elephant – Trunk Down); and the
Wee Elephant Girl & Boy salt-and-peppers (the Girl’s trunk
forms an “S” for “salt”; the Boy’s a “P” for “pepper”.)
Dear CAS Collectors:
I have a piece of Ceramic Arts Studio that was my dad's. It is a cup
that has a striped barbershop pole handle, and an illustration of four men on
the cup (a barbershop quartet?) In gold letters are the initials “SPEBSQSA”.
Have you ever heard of this cup or what it is worth?
Barbie Shoppe
Dear Barbie:
Ceramic
Arts Studio Barbershop Mugs are very sought-after by
collectors. Two different types of mugs were made, in 1949 and 1975, both
designed by Betty Harrington. An easy way to determine which one you have is by
size. The 1949 mug is about 3-1/2 inches high. The bigger, 1975 mug is about
7" high. Both have the striped pole handles, the quartet singers, and the
"SPEBSQSA" lettering ("Society
for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in
America").
The 1949 mugs were a very limited project for Ceramic Arts Studio, and only
about 125 were produced. Studio owner Reuben Sand shared these recollections
about their making:
“We had an electrical company that did all our work
at Ceramic Arts Studio. The owner, Mr. Endres had a great interest in
barbershop quartets, and was the one who started the ladies’ barbershop quartet
group. He really put himself into it. He came and asked if we could make a
Barbershop cup. He’d told me about the lady barbershoppers,
but said the mug could have men on it. He wanted to give a mug to each of the
women who helped him found the group. Betty Harrington and I talked it over,
and she did a superb job designing it. Zona Liberace did all of the decorating
of them, I think, from the sample that Betty created. We made about 125 of the
mugs at considerable cost. We sold them to him for a dollar apiece, and I think
I lost about $1,500 on that project. But it was worthwhile.”
(Betty Harrington herself recalled spending an
enormous amount of time carving the Mug master mold, due to the
tremendous amount of detail required.)
Even
fewer of the 1975 mugs, (about 10), were made by Betty, many years after the
Studio closed, for her son-in-law Al Blom and his
barbershop chorus. The 1949 mug has a value estimate of $650-750 in mint
condition; the much more elusive 1975 mug can fetch upwards of $1500,
depending on the market!
Whichever Barbershop Mug you’re
lucky enough to own, it’s quite a CAS rarity, and definitely something to sing
about!
Dear CAS Collectors:
I collect holiday items
year round, and was recently pleased to run across a Ceramic Arts Studio “Santa
& Evergreen”. However, I have some other CAS pieces, and the tree that came
with “Santa” looks just like the tree I already have with “Paul Bunyan”. Are
they supposed to be identical?
Also, some of the paint
on “Santa”s red costume seems to be peeling off. Why is
that? And can I fix it? I’ve never noticed this problem with other Ceramic Arts
figurines.
Dear Virginia:
You can rest easy. Santa and Paul Bunyan share the same Evergreen. Only one tree, intended for use with either figurine, was created by the Studio, and released in 1953. You’re lucky to have two Evergreens in your collection: some Santas and Paul Bunyans have to share.
The paint problem you noted is because the red color of Santa’s suit was cold-painted, after the figurine had already been fired. At the time, this was the only way a “true red” could be achieved. Sprucing up Santa with a bit of identical red paint where the coloring has flaked off will certainly add to his visual appeal in your collection. (However, if you intend to resell Santa, you will want to note any after-the-fact improvements.) A current value estimate for a Santa in mint condition would be $200-225, $125-150 for his Evergreen. Paul Bunyan, (easier to find, since he doesn’t spend most of the year recuperating at the North Pole), will average $75-100.
A side note on Santa: our good friend, and Club Historian, the late Margaret Purucker, had quite a collection of these. First-time visitors to her home were urged to “take a Santa with you”. Attempts to resist this generous offer were always fruitless: at visit’s end, Margaret would follow you out to your car, clutching a Santa, and insisting you accept it, as if it were just a plate of cookies! Best of all, it would be a Santa in, as Margaret would say, “tip-top condition”.
Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. And sometimes her name is Margaret!
--
The Riddle Solved
At last! A definitive answer to a Question raised in a previous issue! We’d been asked if the Chick & Nest pair were actually salt-and-peppers, since no one seemed to have run across a Nest with pour holes. Was it just a mini-salt dip?
Well, David Slotten assures us that this definitely is a salt-and-pepper pair, and he has the pour-hole-equipped Nest to prove it. And now we know the rest of the story. Thanks, Dave!
Once again, we dive into the
Dear CAS Collectors:
One of my favorite features
in each issue is the “Tail of the Mouse & Cheese”. What a dashing fellow
that furry little globe-trotter must be! However, a friend tells me that there
is actually another CAS ‘Mouse’, besides the one we
know and (sigh) love! Is that true? If so, who is this interloper? I’ll bet he
doesn’t hold a whisker to the “Mouse & Cheese” Mouse!
Minnie
P.S. Is Mr. Mouse
single?
Dear Minnie:
Answering your most urgent question first: Mr. Mouse, of Mouse & Cheese fame, is, (except for his ever-present Cheese), unattached, (so far as we know). You may be in luck!
As to whether there’s another CAS Mouse, the answer to that one is “yes”. Although not seen nearly as often as the Mouse & Cheese, there was also a CAS House Mouse, designed by Betty Harrington, and released in 1955. Betty noted that she’d even designed a ceramic Grandfather’s Clock to accompany the House Mouse, although there’s no record that any of the ceramic clocks ever made it into production. However, Jon-San Creations, Reuben Sand’s metalworks firm, which operated in conjunction with CAS, did create a metal clock which had limited release. This free-standing wire rectangle, with a grandfather-clockface decal attached to its front, was probably an intended companion for the House Mouse. Those attending one of our CAS Conventions several years ago were lucky enough to see one of these metal clocks “in person”, courtesy of former Jon-San worker Karl Ahlen.
In mint condition, the House Mouse, who’s about 3” long, is valued at $90-110. More pricey than his Mouse & Cheese compatriot, but certainly not as well-traveled!
Dear CAS Collectors:
Spring is here, and all
those twittering birds in the trees outside my home got me thinking about a
recent ceramics purchase. He’s a cute little turquoise parakeet, marked “Pudgie” on the base. There’s also a “C” in a circle, which told me he must be by
Ceramic Arts Studio. Am I right, or just another—
--Bird Brain
Dear Bird:
Well, you’re partially right (the most important part): Pudgie is definitely by Ceramic Arts Studio. He was designed by Betty Harrington, and released by CAS in 1953. Pudgie is actually one of a pair: his companion parakeet, who faces him, is Budgie. Jon-San Creations, the CAS metals firm, designed a wire “cage” to hold both birds, and display them more effectively. A value estimate for each bird is $50-60. The much-rarer Parakeet Cage is valued at $125-150.
Now for the deduction that wasn’t quite right: the “C” on the bottom of any CAS piece just means “copyright”. Many figures by various ceramic firms will also carry the copyright symbol, but it’s no indication a piece was made by Ceramic Arts Studio.
But, on the whole, you had the right answers. So treat yourself to a bag of birdseed
Dear
My parents were natives
of The
Holland-Dazed
Dear
Yes, there are a great many Dutch-themed figurines in the
Big Dutch Boy & Girl – 4”, $30-40/pr (she has folded hands, he has hands in pockets)
Wee Dutch Boy & Girl – 3”, $30-40/pr (similar pose)
Dutch Love Boy & Girl – 5”, 1947, $120-140/pr (he holds a bouquet; she’s poised for a kiss)
Hans & Katrinka Dance Pair – 5-1/2”, $80-100/pr. (this standing boy & girl kick up their heels. Careful how you place them, so they don’t kick each other!)
Hans & Katrinka, Chubby Dutch – 6-1/2”, 6-1/4”, $100-140/pr (they’re really not that chubby, but they are taller than the Dance pair. She has her eyes closed; he’s another hands-in-pockets guy.)
Sitting Dutch Boy & Girl – 4-1/2”, $50-70/pr (“shelf-sitters”)
Dutch Boy & Girl Plaques – 8-1/2”, 8”, $120-150/pr (a high-kicking duo, just right for a wall)
Dutch Dance Couple Standing – 7-1/2”, $400-500/pr. (on the order of the Plaques, and also dating from 1954, but standing, and extremely rare)
Dutch Boy & Girl Bud Vases – 4-1/2”, $400-450/pr (undated, but with features resembling early
With
Dear
Just in time for
Valentine’s Day, I picked up a
B.M.I. Valentine
Dear B.M.I.
Yes he is, and your sweetheart will love you for it! Cupid
is a very desirable (and very rare)
It’s presumed that Cupid dates from 1944, since he appeared that year in a Milwaukee Journal photo next to his designer, Betty Harrington. It’s rumored that a third version of Cupid, in a colorway similar to the Peter Pan & Wendy pair also existed, turning that duo into a trio, but none have yet to turn up.
On second thought, after finding out Cupid’s value, you may want to keep him for yourself, and buy your sweetheart a box of candy!
Dear
I recently acquired
this figure of a little boy holding a towel. Evidently, he’s just emerged from
the bath. The seller told me it was by Ceramic Arts Studio, but I’ve never run
across this particular figurine before. Is it really
Proud Mom
P.S. I paid $25.
Dear Mom:
You are in luck (and you got a terrific buy, too!) This is
most assuredly a Ceramic Arts Studio figurine, designed by Betty Harrington.
It’s the rare Boy with Towel. Although undated, the Boy was
presumably released in about 1948, when a slew of other children-themed
Although commercially released, the Boy with Towel never appeared in a Studio catalog, which is why many collectors remain unfamiliar with him. No explanations for this lack of promotion have yet been uncovered, although it has been suggested that perhaps display options for the Boy were limited.
Interestingly enough, Betty evidently planned the Boy with Towel as one of a pair. In her sketchbook, next to pictorial references for the Boy, are sketches for a proposed, similarly-styled Little Chef. Unfortunately, that companion piece never made it to actual production. (Again, the reasons are unknown, although Betty’s drawings indicate a somewhat complicated mold may have been required.)
You should definitely be a “proud Mom”: the estimated current value of your Boy with Towel is $300-350!
Do you have a
Some Previous Questions:
Dear
I thought I remembered
my favorite children’s stories pretty well, but maybe not. I recently picked up
2 Ceramic Arts Studio pieces. One is
marked “
“Bugs” in Wonderland
Dear Bugs:
And you are definitely right! The dapper fellow who
accompanies
Designed by Betty Harrington, and released in 1948, the Rabbit
was, for some inexplicable reason, listed in the
Dear
I recently acquired a
All Ears
Dear Ears:
There are actually three different
Relatively speaking, the snuggler Bunnies
are the most “realistic” of the
And with that pun only Peter Cottontail could love, we
hop off down the bunny trail for another issue. Do you have a
Dear
Who is this napping
fellow? He looks like he might be “Little Boy Blue” from the nursery rhyme,
except he’s wearing white trousers and a striped shirt. The paper label on the
base says “Ceramic Arts Studio”. Any ideas?
Sleepytime
Gal
Dear Sleepy:
Your figurine is indeed Little Boy Blue, designed for
By the way, our late friend, longtime
Dear
I am confused. From my
parents, I inherited a pair of Ceramic Arts Studio figurines I understand are
the “Gay ‘90s Couple”. However, they don’t look quite like a pair I saw on
eBay, also billed as the “Gay ‘90s Couple”. How many of these are there?
Befuddled, and Not Yet
in my 90s
Dear Befuddled:
Your puzzlement is understandable, since
Judging by the photo you sent, you have version #2. A mint #2 Gay ‘90s pair has an estimated value of $55-75. A #1 pair would be estimated at $45-55. Either version is desirable, providing excellent depictions of what the Studio catalog called “a lovely, shy maid, and a dapper gent.”
Dear
I have a
salt-and-pepper set that I picked up at a garage sale. One piece is a slice of
cheese. The other is a mouse, who perches inside the cheese. The cheese is
stamped “Ceramic Arts Studio” on the base. Any info?
Waiting for A Nibble
Dear Waiting:
If you only run across one Ceramic Arts Studio duo in your
life, it will probably be this one. Immediately upon its debut in 1950,
the ubiquitous Mouse & Cheese became a
The Mouse & Cheese pair was part of the Studio’s “snuggle set” series, with one figure designed to fit cozily inside another. Some of the Mouse & Cheese pairs were even personalized for various cheese manufacturers, and can be found with the company named stamped on the side of the cheese slab. One Studio worker recalls when a batch of the Cheeses came out green instead of yellow! Fortunately, company owner Reuben Sand was able to find a client with a sense of humor (and an open checkbook).
In mint condition, the estimate for a Mouse & Cheese pair
would be $20-30. Not astronomical, but
it’s a pair no died-in-the-wool
Dear
I’m so excited! I just love
circus, fair, and carnival memorabilia, and today I found a “Clown & Dog”
salt and pepper set, marked “Ceramic Arts Studio”. So cute! Here’s a photo of
them saying “howdy”. Is the dog supposed
to sit on the clown’s lap? I’m assuming so, but thought I’d check.
Clowning Around
Dear Clowning:
The Clown & Dog were designed for Ceramic Arts Studio by Betty Harrington, and were part of the salt-and-pepper “snuggle set” series. You’re right: with the “snuggle sets”, a smaller figure usually rests in the lap of the larger one, and that’s where the Dog goes. The Clown & Dog date from 1951, and a current value estimate for a pair in mint condition would be $150-190 (which should buy a lot of dog treats and red rubber noses!)
Dear
My father had this
figure of a man’s head in his barber shop as long as I can remember. Is it a
vase? There’s a slot in the top, but it doesn’t seem like it would hold many
flowers. And how would you empty the water? The piece will always be a part of
our family’s history, so any info you can provide would be appreciated!
Close Shave
Dear Close:
Your figure is Tony the Barber, a razor blade bank. It was designed by Betty Harrington, and released by Ceramic Arts Studio in 1951. The bank was intended to hold used razor blades. Like most of the ceramic banks of the period, there was no way to empty the bank once it was full.
Some former
Dear
I always thought Ceramic
Arts Studio just made figurines, but yesterday, I ran across a piece with the
Worried
Dear Worried:
No, you’re not missing anything. The Bonita Stripe Planter is a
stand-alone piece. In addition to the figurines
The Bonita Stripe Bowl was designed by
Betty Harrington commented at one time that the Bonitas, while visually appealing, were not very practical. If enough water is placed in one to keep a cut flower healthy, water sometimes leaks over the flat edge. However, they are certainly nice to look at!
Dear
I volunteer in a museum,
and we recently received a number of items from a family estate. One was a pink
Space Bowl by Ceramic Arts Studio. It’s even got the
Museum Miss
Dear Miss M:
Like the Bonita Bowl, the Space Bowl was designed by Betty Harrington, and dates from 1955, the Studio’s last year. Although collectible on its own, the Space Bowl was originally intended to be displayed with the complementary Stylized Rooster figurines as a three-piece console set. By itself, the Space Bowl is valued at $100-125.
For your reference, the “C” is not always an indicator of a Ceramic Arts Studio piece. It just means “copyright”. Thanks for writing!
What does that signature mean? Signing-related inquiries
fill our
Dear
I recently purchased what
I believe to be a Betty Harrington pin-up figure. I found it at
Pin-Up Purchaser
Dear PP:
Although your pin-up is an attractive gal, we can state with confidence that she is not by Betty Harrington. On the rare occasions when Betty signed a figure, it was either with “BH” or with her full name, and the signature is quite different than the one on your lady. Also, your pin-up is not in the style of any of Betty’s work. In particular, she did not use the spaghetti-ceramic technique which makes up a part of the girl’s skirt, and the overall style of the decoration is much different. As to the actual maker, that remains unknown. Often, however, individual ceramics hobbyists, working from an existing mold, would sign their work on the base. This figurine was probably created by one such person, rather than by a studio. Even though not by Betty Harrington, here’s hoping you’ll enjoy your pin-up for the lovely lady she is!
Dear
I am hoping you can
give me some insight into the relative value of the “Mary” figurine that I
have. She does not have the
Does that signature
influence “Mary’s” value in any way? I don’t plan to ever sell her, but would
just like to satisfy my curiosity.
Mary’s Main Man
Dear
Mary (usually accompanied by her Lamb), was
first manufactured by
A current value estimate for Mary is $35-45. Although
the decoration on your figurine is fairly standard for
Dear
I always thought Ceramic Arts Studio just made figurines, but
yesterday, I ran across a piece with the
Worried
Dear Worried:
No, you’re not missing anything. The Bonita Stripe Planter is a stand-alone
piece. In addition to the figurines
The Bonita Stripe Bowl was designed by
Betty Harrington commented at one time that the Bonitas, while visually appealing, were not very practical. If enough water is placed in one to keep a cut flower healthy, water sometimes leaks over the flat edge. However, they are certainly nice to look at!
Dear
I volunteer in a museum, and we recently received a number of items
from a family estate. One was a pink Space
Bowl by Ceramic Arts Studio. It’s even got the
Museum Miss
Dear Miss M:
Like the Bonita Bowl, the Space Bowl was designed by Betty Harrington, and dates from 1955, the Studio’s last year. Although collectible on its own, the Space Bowl was originally intended to be displayed with the complementary Stylized Rooster figurines as a three-piece console set. By itself, the Space Bowl is valued at $100-125.
For your reference, the “C” is not always an indicator of a Ceramic Arts Studio piece. It just means “copyright”. Thanks for writing!
For collectors of animal figurines, Ceramic Arts Studio
offers a merry menagerie. Many of our website inquiries often ask about
inhabitants of the
Dear
My grandma had figures of a cow and a calf marked “Ceramic Arts Studio”
in her collection, and my aunt had always admired them. Because of this,
Grandma gave them to my aunt and her husband on their twenty-fifth wedding
anniversary.
Grandma recently passed on, and my aunt decided to give the figures to
my young daughter. We’d certainly like to know more about them, and how best to
display them.
Diana from Dairyland
Dear Diana:
The figures you have are the Mother Cow & Calf
Snuggle Pair – the Calf sits in the Mother Cow’s lap. These were designed for
Diana responded “thanks so much for this information. I
will put your email in the box with the figures, for my daughter to enjoy when
she is older.”
And thank you, Diana – the personal stories behind how a
Dear
My wife and I have about 2,000 sets of salt-and-pepper shakers, and
recently purchased a yellow chick on a green nest marked ‘
S& P Maniac
Dear S& P:
The Chick & Nest were designed by Betty
Harrington, and date from 1953, two years before the Studio closed. They are
the smallest of the
I’ll present this question in the next issue of
So, how about it, gang? If you are lucky enough to have a “Chick & Nest” pair in your collection, please examine the “Nest” for pour holes, and email the results to: donaldbrian@webtv.net . Once we have the right answer, we’ll pass it along to “S & P Maniac”, and spice up his day!
Some of the most frequently-asked questions that arrive
at our website involve identifying a figurine as authentic
Dear
I am a fairly new
I have to ask: when there are items available that look sooo much like
Curious Chris from
Colfax
Dear Curious Chris:
This is a great (and often-asked) question! If a
However, as you noted, many
Each
So, if there’s a “tick mark”, it’s a sure sign a piece is by Ceramic Arts Studio, even if there is no base stamp.
Dear
I am finding little or no information concerning Betty Harrington’s
signature on work she may have done at
Enquiring Engle
Dear Enquiring:
An item signed “Betty USA” would not be by Betty Harrington. Betty’s first ceramic work was of a girl holding an incense burner, and that led directly to her work for Ceramic Arts Studio, which was mostly figural.
Although many
Although some of Betty’s work after the Studio closed in 1955 was hand-signed, it was usually with her initials, or, in some cases, a script signature of her entire name. “Betty USA” was not a Betty Harrington signature.
“Enquiring Engle” later responded, saying “thanks so much
for the very prompt and cordial response. I have never before received such a
clear and thoughtful answer to my ceramic inquiries, and am forever grateful”.
That’s what we like to hear! If you have questions regarding
It’s always a pleasure
to answer an inquiry and help out a
worthy cause at the same time!
Dear
I am writing on behalf of “Pig Placement Network”. Our cause is
rescuing and re-homing potbellied pigs.
We recently received a donation of two
We would like to sell them to raise funds for our activities, and any
information you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Eileen from
Dear Eileen:
The figurines you have are the “Wee Piggy Boy &
Girl”, designed by Betty Harrington for Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison, and
released in 1950. The “Wee Piggys” were made as both figurines and salt &
peppers, which is why your figures do not have holes — they are the figurine
version. Advertised in
--
Dear
I have a Mouse that
Betty Harrington made for me in 1986. It is signed with her initials. What can
you tell me about this toothy fellow?
I’ve named him “Mickey”.
Minnie from
Dear Minnie:
In the years after she left Ceramic Arts Studio, Betty Harrington made many of these Mice (she referred to them as “the critters”) , and each is one-of-a-kind. Betty began creating the Mice in about 1975, and continued doing so until very nearly the end of her life. Her usual two-piece mold contained all the pieces needed to construct any mouse-movement she wanted to portray. The difference came in the way she assembled the greenware pieces.
It would be impossible to document all the various Mice Betty
Harrington created, but some of the best-known include a five-piece Mouse
Orchestra, and the Valentine Mice. The hundreds of Mice were
all produced in Betty’s apartment kitchen, the later ones fired in a kiln at
the apartment complex
P.S. Is “Minnie” your real name? If so, sounds like “Mickey” has found a good home!
Dear
In 1952 or 1953, I purchased a Ceramic Arts Studio piece marked Lotus. I’ve been told there is a mate
for her. Can you tell me about him?
Pat from The Villages
Dear Pat from The Villages:
Yes indeed, Lotus has a partner: that fiercely
bearded fellow, Manchu. Since there are actually three
Current value estimates are $150-200 for the head vases, $400-450 for the wall planters, and $80-120 for the standing figures, all priced by the pair. (Extremely lucky collectors may occasionally run across a Lunch Hour Lotus standing head vase, with multi-colored decoration, and a value of $200-250, but these are few and far between.)
Hope your Lotus is soon happily reunited with her companion!
Dear
Who is this girl, and what is supposed to go in her hat?
Erica from
Dear Erica:
The name of the lady in question is Barbie, and she belongs to a line of head vases released by Ceramic Arts Studio in the early 1950s. Head vases were very popular at the time, as a unique way of displaying flowers. In answer to the questions, that’s what goes in the hat. The floral arrangement becomes part of the hat design.
Barbie, introduced in 1950 along with her girlfriends
Bonnie and Becky, was designed by Betty Harrington. She was available as a blonde, brunette, or
redhead, with the hat decoration complementing the hair color. Currently, Barbie has an estimated
value of $125-150. An authentic
And that’s it for this issue’s “
Dear
My husband Jedd and I coach a FIRST Lego League (FLL) Robotics team in
We are in the process of fundraising to pay for this trip. Many people
have donated items for our yard sale and auction. We received a nice piece that
is clearly marked “Ceramic Arts Studio”, but we are having a difficult time
identifying it. We were hoping that you might donate a bit of your time and
expertise to help Team Nemo put a reasonable price tag on this. It looks like
it could be St. Francis. Do you know the name of it? It is in fine condition
with no marks or cracks, and we wondered how much you think we should ask for
it. Many thanks!
Sarah Olsen
Dear Sarah:
Thanks for writing. We are very happy to assist you in
identifying this figurine for your fundraising effort.
The figure is called St. Francis (extended arms) and was released by
Ceramic Arts Studio in 1947. It is one of several different St. Francis
figures designed for
St. Francis is a great favorite with collectors, (and is, is fact, one of the
figures shown on the back cover of our book). He’s somewhat hard to find in
perfect condition, as the extended arms are often damaged.
Currently, a reasonable price estimate for a "St.
Francis" is mint condition would be $175-225.
Hope the info is of help--we are always happy to assist with a worthwhile
project. Good luck with selling the figurine--and good luck to Team Nemo!
dbj
Sarah has promised to
write with an update about the sale of “St Francis”, and of course the fate of
Team Nemo. Incidentally, our club is now listed as a contributor to their
group, and our contact info is given on their website: TeamNemo.com
And one more. . .
Sometimes we’re sent
questions, but just aren’t quite sure what’s intended. (Well, we have a pretty
good idea, but the wording can lead us a bit astray!) For example, here’s the opening of a recent
letter, just as received:
“Dear
We wrote back for a
photo, but never received one. So, we
don’t know if that shelf-sitter is “Jill”, the “Cowgirl”, the “Girl with Kitten”. . . .or maybe, as the letter seems to indicate,
poor old Auntie herself! (If so, hopefully wherever she is they stock ink
remover!)
Do you
have a question regarding a
Honoring the memory of
Dear
I found a beautiful
wall pocket with a “Ceramic Art Studio” mark on the back, and it doesn’t look
like the typical mark from this company. Can you tell me if this is a fake or
not? It also doesn’t have a glaze like I see all the Ceramic Art Studio pieces
have. It’s beautifully done and detailed, but I’m very confused on the
mark. Your help is appreciated. I would not like to sell a piece stating that
it’s by Ceramic Art Studio if it is not. Thanks!
Renee Gagliardo
Dear Renee:
After Ceramic
Arts Studio of Madison closed in 1955, founder Reuben Sand briefly moved the
company’s base of operations to
“I
went to
Some of
the pieces made there were from original
dbj
Dear
My Mom had a gift
shop in the late 1940s and early 50's and she sold Ceramic Arts Studio pieces.
While unpacking some of her things, I came across a “Pig Bank”, with what looks like a Ceramic Arts
Studio marking. It is hard to read but this really looks like a
--Rozanne
Dear
Rozanne:
Although
it is difficult to say for certain without a photo, it sounds as if the pig
bank you are describing is the Paisley Pig Bank, inventory #343, released
by Ceramic Arts Studio in 1952. The pig came in gray or amber shades, and was
distinguished by an incised whorl pattern on its "skin." The value of a Paisley Pig is
$325-375. It's pictured on page 125 of
our book. Hope the info helps!
DBJ for “
(Rozanne later sent a photo, and the pig
was indeed the
--
Dear
We
recently completed a set of the standing Harlequin
& Columbine with Masks. They are unfinished--creamy colored with,
rosy cheeks being the only color on the pieces.
I know the value the
--Donald
& Greg
Dear Donald & Greg:
Thanks
for writing. Since these figures are
extremely rare, the value would remain high whether finished or
unfinished. It's my personal opinion
that the value would be about 25% less than a finished version, since the
finish enhances their visual appeal.
That is based on estimates of finished and unfinished versions of more
common pieces. However, the Harlequin & Columbine with Masks figures
surface so rarely that a determined purchaser might be willing to pay the book
price or above, simply to own them. I
know I'd be tempted! Congratulations on your good fortune!
DBJ for “
(For the majority of us, who have yet to add the standing
Harlequin & Columbine to our collections, we can check out what we have to
look forward to on the front cover and page 153 of “Ceramic Arts Studio: The
Legacy of Betty Harrington”)
--
Dear
Who
designed Peek & Boo? Mine
are marked Ceramic Arts Studio, but they don’t look like other pieces I have by
Betty Harrington.
--Wondering
Dear Wondering:
Those clever cats Peek and Boo,
(
DBJ for
“
Dear
We were wondering if
there is any information or photos about the early
I'm attaching photos,
in hopes that someone affiliated with your association might have some
information or insight. I have included
a quarter in one photo to indicate relative size. I truly appreciate your time!
-
Dear
Brenda:
Thank you
for your inquiry. Your information was
correct: Ceramic Arts Studio did turn
out hand-thrown ware, such as pitchers, vases, tumblers, etc., when the Studio
opened in 1940. Shortly after Betty Harrington joined the Studio in late 1941,
Although
the particular piece you have is not shown in our new book, "Ceramic
Arts Studio: The Legacy of Betty Harrington", my assumption would be
that is was created by
William Hallberg, an early Studio artisan, circa 1942. Pitchers were a Hallberg specialty (although
usually wide-topped "Quaker Pitchers"), and the glaze is consistent
with that of similar Hallberg pieces.
The black inkstamp marking on the bottom of a
Hallberg piece shown on page 20 of our book reads "Ceramic Arts Studio,
Madison, WI, Hand Made" followed by the initials "WH". (Sometimes the initials were not included, or
"WI" was written as "
Since we
do not show this particular piece in the book, I do not have an exact valuation
for it. However, we value an 8” Hallberg “Quaker Pitcher and Tumbler” set at
$350-450, and various Hallberg pots at $110-175. If by Hallberg, I would
estimate a 3-1/2” pitcher such as yours at the high end of the $110-175 range,
as the shape is somewhat unique.
Of course,
that is only an estimate, and actual value would depend on buyer interest. I do know that many
Hope the
info helps, and happy collecting!
(Followup: Brenda re-checked the inkstamp
on the base of her pitcher and it is, indeed, by Hallberg—a wonderful find!))
ON THE
MARK. . .
If there's no stamp on the base, can it really be
Dear "
I recently received
the Ox & Wagon
shakers. The Wagon is marked
Dear
"Wondering":
Sometimes,
only one piece of a
The Ox (
possession
of its horns. Hope yours has them!
Thanks for
writing, and hope the info helps!
Dear
I recently acquired the piece (candy or
nut dish/chip n' dip/condiment tray???) shown, because I thought it was
interesting, and am now trying to determine the manufacturer. The manufacturer's mark seems to read cas. c. 2703
if they ever produced pieces like this?
Everything I seem to find indicates they did not. Any assistance or insight you may choose to
provide will be appreciated. Thanks in advance—
--Bob
Dear
Bob:
Thank
you for your inquiry. The dish in the
photo was not a part of the
Thank
you for writing!
DBJ
for “
--
Dear
I'm the assistant manager at the
--Jarrod Vande
Hey
Dear
Jarrod:
Thank
you for your inquiry regarding the Mexican figurine. Ceramic Arts Studio
produced three Mexican boy figures: one seated, holding a guitar; one a
shelf-sitter with crossed legs; and one standing next to a cactus.
Unfortunately, your figure is not one of these. The piece is quite interesting,
particularly since it was made in
I will
include a photo in “
DBJ
for “
--
Dear
I have just come into a piece marked in
black “Ceramic Arts Studio,
--Wondering
Dear
Wondering:
The
"Burmese Chinthe" was an accompanying piece
for the "Burmese Man & Woman", released by Ceramic Arts Studio in
1953. It is
DBJ
for “
(Regarding the “Chinthe” the info did prove helpful—the owner was able to sell it on eBay for more than the estimate!)
Dear
My Mom had a gift shop in the late 1940s and
early 50's and she sold Ceramic Arts Studio pieces. While unpacking some of her
things, I came across a “Pig Bank”, with what looks like a Ceramic Arts
Studio marking. It is hard to read but this really looks like a
--Rozanne
Dear
Rozanne:
Although
it is difficult to say for certain without a photo, it sounds as if the pig
bank you are describing is the Paisley Pig Bank, inventory #343,
released by Ceramic Arts Studio in 1952. The pig came in gray or amber shades,
and was distinguished by an incised whorl pattern on its "skin." The value of a Paisley Pig is
$325-375. It's pictured on page 125 of
our book. Hope the info helps!
DBJ for “
(Rozanne later sent a photo, and the pig
was indeed the
--
Dear
We recently
completed a set of the standing Harlequin
& Columbine with Masks. They are unfinished--creamy colored with,
rosy cheeks being the only color on the pieces.
I know the value the
--Donald &
Greg
Dear Donald & Greg:
Thanks
for writing. Since these figures are
extremely rare, the value would remain high whether finished or
unfinished. It's my personal opinion that
the value would be about 25% less than a finished version, since the finish
enhances their visual appeal. That is
based on estimates of finished and unfinished versions of more common pieces.
However, the Harlequin & Columbine with Masks figures surface so
rarely that a determined purchaser might be willing to pay the book price or
above, simply to own them. I know I'd be
tempted! Congratulations on your good fortune!
DBJ for “
(For the majority of us, who have yet to add the standing
Harlequin & Columbine to our collections, we can check out what we have to
look forward to on the front cover and page 153 of “Ceramic Arts Studio: The
Legacy of Betty Harrington”)
--
Dear
Who designed Peek & Boo? Mine are marked Ceramic
Arts Studio, but they don’t look like other pieces I have by Betty Harrington.
--Wondering
Dear Wondering:
Those clever cats Peek and Boo,
(
DBJ for
“
Dear
Can you tell me who this figure is? He seems to be climbing up something, and I’ve been told he was made by Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison, but that’s all I know. Here’s a photo. Can you fill in the blanks?
Kathy from
Dear Kathy from
You’re in luck! This
little guy is the
Jack is valuable because he was produced in limited
quantities. However, as he was "cold-painted", (that is, the
painting was not done before the piece was fired), he is often found with some
peeling paint, as is the case with your example. This can easily be
repaired by a professional, which will enhance both the visual appeal and
monetary value of the figure. If selling, you would of course want to
note that Jack has been restored. If you would be selling him in his
current condition, you would want to take that into consideration in your
asking price.
If you plan on keeping Jack,
you will want to be on the lookout for his Beanstalk. This metal
ladder-like frame was manufactured by Jon-San Creations, a companion firm to
Ceramic Arts Studio, also owned by
Q & A FOLLOWUP: After
receiving the info on “Jack”, Kathy from
“I have listed ‘Jack’ on ebay just as he is, as I did not want to change him from
his original being. I have just begun to get into collecting Ceramic Arts
Studio pieces, and find it so fascinating! I was absolutely thrilled when I
found ‘Jack’ -- it has made me dig into the antique books and be more aware of
what I see at auctions and flea markets. I found ‘Jack’ at a flea
market and something just told me to pick him up. I am so glad I
did!
(Some folks have all the
luck!)
--
Dear
Can
you tell me something about this little vase?
It has some sort of bird on it.
My parents were originally from
Ed from
Dear Ed from
It looks like a vase, but what you
actually have is the Swan Teapot, shown on page 101 of our book, Ceramic
Arts Studio: The Legacy of Betty Harrington. The Swan Teapot was
part of a “Miniature Vases” series released by the Studio in 1950. Designer Betty Harrington came up with the
idea after attending a trade show. Next
to the
Because the miniatures were so
labor-intensive, few are seen in circulation today. Current value of the Swan
Teapot is $60-75 – a great price for such a tiny item!
(As always, website questions are answered