Clarice Cliff Art Deco: The André Aerne Collection

 

Here are some Clarice Cliff ceramic pieces featured in a Christie’s online-only sale of over 100 lots timed to coincide with the Living with Art live sale. Carefully selected by Mr. André Aerne of Charlevoix, Michigan, this collection of ceramics is being sold to benefit the Muskegon Museum of Art and includes a diverse array of the shapes, colors and patterns for which Cliff was famed.

Auction Catalogue   – concludes Aug 25

 

Clarice-Cliff-Art-Deco Various-patterns-and-shapes

Clarice Cliff Art Deco ceramics

Christies

 

Clarice Cliff was a prolific artist and produced many hundreds of designs during the inter-war period, but her style remains immediately recognisable. It’s not just the bright colors that makes Clarice Cliff’s ceramics look vivacious. There is a consistent spirit of joy that permeates her designs which express fascinating originality. She was one of the first females in the ceramic arts to launch a line under her own name. When Cliff first achieved her success in the 1920’s, there was little precedent for a young woman from a working-class family becoming a designer, and branding her work with her own name.

 

 

Clarice Cliff Bizarre’‘Crocus’- pattern set

Clarice Cliff set in ‘Bizarre’ ‘Crocus’ pattern, comprising a vase, sifter, two jam pot and covers, platter, salt and pepper shakers, a mustard pot and cover and a napkin ring

Christies

While Cliff was undoubtedly inspired by the Art Deco designs of the 1920s, she also looked farther afield for ideas — namely, the avant-garde movements of Cubism and De Stijl. Many of her wares have distinctly modernist shapes and visible brushstrokes, something that was discouraged from the usual lines of production and which demonstrates her pioneering vision. She made things that were designed to be used in the home — tea and coffee sets, candlesticks, vases, plates — but she also wanted women to have access to interesting and colourful things,’ according to Natalie Voorheis, ‘Not everyone would have known what the Cubists were doing but she was heavily influenced by them, and so it made its way into the homes of ordinary people.’

 

 

Clarice-Cliff - Brighton-Art-Gallery - 1972

Clarice Cliff – Brighton Art Gallery – 1972

 

 

RARE-CLARICE-CLIFF-TEA-SET-In-the-aerographed-pink-color,-nautilus-shape,-comprising-a-teapot,-tea-cup-and-saucer,-side-plate,-sugar-bowl-and-creamer---1936

Clarice Cliff tea set in the aerographed pink color, nautilus shape, comprising: a teapot, tea cup and saucer, side plate, sugar bowl and creamer

Christies

 

 

Clarice-cliff--vase-and-three-serving-platters-The-'Garland'-pattern-vase-in-shape-401,-the-platters-inthe-'Bizarre'-'Diamonds',

Clarice Cliff–vase and three serving platters

The ‘Garland’ pattern vase in shape 401, the platters in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Diamonds’, ‘Fantasque’ ‘Melons’, ‘Fantasque’ ‘Sunray Leaves’ patterns

Christies

 

Clarice Cliff-centerpiece-bowl-and-pitcher-The-bowl-in-the-‘Bizarre’-‘Bridgewater’-pattern,-shape-475,-the-pitcher-in-the-‘Fantasque-Alton’-pattern,-Daffodil-shape-12

Clarice Cliff-centerpiece bowl and pitcher

The bowl in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Bridgewater’ pattern,the pitcher in the ‘Fantasque’ ‘Alton’ pattern

12.75 in height  Christies

 

 

Clarice-Cliff-art-deco-pottery-set

Clarice Cliff art deco pottery

Christies

 

 

‘Bizarre’-‘Clouvre-Tulip’-pattern vase Height 23-15-inches

Clarice Cliff ‘Bizarre’-‘Clouvre Tulip’ pattern vase

Height 23.15-inches  Christies

 

 

a-clarice-cliff-centerpiece-bowl-In-the-‘Fantasque’-‘Floreat’-pattern,-shape-417-9.125-in

Clarice Cliff centerpiece art deco bowl in the ‘Fantasque’-‘Floreat’ pattern

Christies

 

 

clarice-cliff-large-jardiniere-In-the-'Bizarre'-Sliced-Circle'-pattern,-dover-shape-7.75-in

Clarice Cliff large jardiniere in the ‘Bizarre’ Sliced Circle’ pattern, dover shape

7.75-inch height    Christies

 

 

Clarice-Cliff-large-jardiniere-In-the-'Bizarre'-Marigold'-pattern

Clarice Cliff large jardiniere–‘Bizarre’ – ‘Marigold’ pattern

Christies

 

 

Clarice-cliff-six-piece-tea-and-coffee-service-In-the-'Latona-Red-Roses'-pattern

Clarice Cliff six piece tea and coffee service – ‘Latona Red Roses’ pattern

Consisting of a teapot and cover, coffee pot and cover, teacup, two coffee cups and saucers and a creamer together with a ‘Yoo Hoo’  conical sugar bowl, a ‘Fantasque Bizarre’ ‘Summerhouse’ match box and a later conical caster by Wedgwood

Christies

 

Clarice Cliff pair-of-clarice-cliff-bookends-In-the-'Fantasque'-'Apples'-pattern

Art Deco Clarice Cliff pair of bookends — ‘Fantasque’ ‘Apples’ pattern

Christies

 

-pair-of-clarice-cliff-large-wall-pockets-In-the-'Bizarre'-'Delecia-Citrus'-pattern,-the-underside-of-each-additionally-painted-as-a-citrus-fruit-12inches-in-height

 

Pair of Clarice Cliff large wall pockets

In the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Delecia Citrus’ pattern, the underside of each additionally painted as a citrus fruit

12 inches height  — Christies

 

 

 

Art-Deco Clarice Cliff centerpiece --'Bizarre'-'Tennis-Summerhouse'-pattern-Clarice-Cliff

30’s Art Deco Clarice Cliff centerpiece –‘Bizarre’-‘Tennis Summerhouse’ pattern

Christies

 

'Bizarre'-'Rhodanthe'-pattern-vases,-Clarice-Cliff

‘Bizarre’ ‘Rhodanthe’ pattern vases – Clarice Cliff

Christies

 

CEramic vase 'Bizarre'-'Rhodanthe'-pattern,---Clarice-Cliff

 

 

‘Bizarre’ ‘Rhodanthe’ pattern,—Clarice Cliff

Christies

CLARICE-CLIFF JUG'Bizarre'-jug-shape-42

 

Clarice Cliff jug ‘Bizarre’ pattern

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-art-deco-ceramic collection

Clarice Cliff art deco ceramics

The platter in the ‘Chloris’ pattern, biaritz shape, the jug in the ‘Nasturtium’ pattern, the conical sifters in the ‘Nasturtium’, ‘Delecia’ and ‘Canterbury Bells’ patterns

Christies

 

 

clarice-cliff-centerpiece-bowl--In-the-'Bizarre'-'Patina-Country'-pattern,-shape-383-9-in.-(23-cm

Clarice Cliff centerpiece bowl

In the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Patina Country’ pattern, 3 9 in. (23 cm.) diameter

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-art deco pottery vessels

Clarice Cliff ceramic vessels – ‘Latona Mushroom’, the second ‘Fantasque’ ‘Broth’, the third ‘Latona Thistle’

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff--art deco ceramics

Clarice Cliff ceramic wares

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-vase-Nuage'-pattern,-isis-shape-1928-1936

Clarice Cliff vase ‘Nuage’ pattern, isis shape

1928-1936 —  Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-conical-sugar-shifters

Clarice Cliff conical sugar shifters

Christies

 

clarice-cliff-large-charger-Art-Deco-In-the-'Bizarre'-'Branches-&-Squares'-pattern-18-in.-(45.5-cm

Clarice Cliff-Art Deco Cubist  Charger -‘Bizarre’, ‘Branches & Squares’ pattern

18-inch dia..-(45.5-cm)  — Christies

 

 

Clarice Cliff jardiniere in the 'Bizarre' 'Tartan' pattern, the 'Latona' 'Aztec' wares comprising a yo-yo vase shape

Clarice Cliff sample jardiniere, centerpiece bowl, vase and a plate

The jardiniere in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Tartan’ pattern, the ‘Latona’ ‘Aztec’ wares comprising a yo-yo vase shape

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-tea-set

Clarice Cliff teapot and cover, two teacups and saucers, a side plate, a creamer and a sugar bowl, in the lynton shape, together with a vase, all in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Goldstone’ pattern.

Christies

 

CLARICE-CLIFF-WARES-In-the-‘Fantasque’-‘Windbells’-pattern-comprising-A-teapot-and-cover,-Daffodil-pattern,-a-jug-in-the-Bon-Jour-shape,-a-conical-sifter

Clarice Cliff wares in the ‘Fantasque’ ‘Windbells’ pattern comprising: A teapot and cover, Daffodil pattern, a jug in the Bon Jour shape, a conical sifter and a saucer

Christies

 

Clarice Cliff-ceramics Comprising-a-platter,-a-centerpiece-bowl-in-the-‘Bizarre’-‘Persian’-pattern,-and-a-vase,-together-with-a-caster-with-metal-cover

Clarice Cliff platter, a centerpiece bowl in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Persian’ pattern, and a vase, and a caster with metal cover

Christies

 

 

2-Clarice-Cliff-vases-In-the-‘Original-Bizarre’-pattern,-shape-360-and-the-‘Bizarre’-‘Luxor’-pattern

 Two Clarice Cliff vases–‘Original Bizarre’ pattern, and the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Luxor’ pattern

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-jug-In-the-‘Bizarre’-‘Caprice’-pattern,-lotus-shape

Clarice Cliff jug — ‘Bizarre’ ‘Caprice’ pattern, lotus shape

Christies

 

 

 

five-clarice-cliff-wares--'Original-Bizarre'-pattern---three-vases,-shapes-186,-278-and-3,-a-footed-centerpiece-bowl-and-an-octagonal-jam-pot-and-cover-11

Five Clarice Cliff wares — ‘Original Bizarre’ pattern, comprising three vases, a footed centerpiece bowl and an octagonal jam pot and cover

Christies

 

group-of-clarice-cliff-decorative-tableware's-Various-patterns-and-shapes-comprising-two-fern-pots,-a-jug,-and-a-jam-pot-and-cover

Clarice Cliff tablewares Various patterns and shapes comprising: two fern pots, a jug, and a jam pot and cover

Christies

 

 clarice cliff centerpiece bowl -In-the-‘Fantasque’-‘Circles-&-Squares’-pattern,

Clarice Cliff centerpiece bowl  In the ‘Fantasque’ ‘Circles & Squares’ pattern

Christies

 

 

Clarice Cliff vase In-the-'Bizarre'-'Archaic'-pattern,--inscribed replica.-temple-of-luxor.-thebes.-capital-of-the-large-columns-1250-b.c

Clarice Cliff vase -In the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Archaic’ pattern

Inscribed replica. Temple of Luxor. Thebes. capital of the large columns-1250 b.c

Christies

 

 

Two-clarice-cliff-vases--In the 'Bizarre' 'Latona Flowerheads' and 'Applique Caravan' patterns

Two Clarice Cliff vases–In the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Latona Flowerheads’ and ‘Applique Caravan’ patterns

Christies

 

 

Three-english-porcelain-vasesThe first designed by John Butler in the ‘Tibetan’ pattern, the second ‘Carmelia’ ‘Tahiti’ signed S.P., the third with factory stamp for Wilkinson

Three English porcelain vases

The first designed by John Butler in the ‘Tibetan’ pattern, the second ‘Carmelia’ ‘Tahiti’ signed S.P., the third with factory stamp for Wilkinson

Christies

 

Three art deco clarice cliff ‘bizarre’ vases-The first in the ‘Delicia Pansies’ pattern, the second ‘Capri’ the third ‘Delecia Poppy’

Three Art Deco Clarice Cliff vases

The first in the ‘Delicia Pansies’ pattern, the second ‘Capri’ the third ‘Delecia Poppy’

Christies

 

Clarice CliffThe tea set comprising: a teapot, tea cup, saucer, sugar bowl and creamer, all in the Stamford shape, lacking Clarice Cliff mark, the other Clarice Cliff wares comprising a plate in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Flora’ pattern, a teapot in the Stamford shape and a vase in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Delecia’ pattern,

Clarice Cliff tea set comprising: a teapot, tea cup, saucer, sugar bowl and creamer

All in the Stamford shape, a plate in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Flora’ pattern, a teapot in the Stamford shape and a vase in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Delecia’ pattern,

Christies

 

Clarice-Cliff-vasesThe first ‘Bizarre’ ‘Sliced Circle’ pattern shape 205, the second ‘Bizarre’ ‘Football’ pattern shape 363, the third ‘Fantasque’ ‘Melon’ pattern shape 205

Clarice Cliff vases – ‘Bizarre’ ‘Sliced Circle’ pattern shape,  ‘Bizarre’ ‘Football’ pattern shape, ‘Fantasque’ ‘Melon’ pattern shape

Christies

 

two Clarice Cliff tea sets,-a-jam-pot-and-cover,-and-a-cake-stand

Two Clarice Cliff tea sets, a jam pot and cover, and a cake stand

Christies

 

Three-Clarice-Cliff-vases --The first in the ‘Trumpet Flowers’ pattern, shape 353, the second ‘Scarlet Flower’, shape 187, the third ‘Latona Garden’

Three Clarice Cliff vases –The first in the ‘Trumpet Flowers’ pattern, the second ‘Scarlet Flower’, the third ‘Latona Garden’

Christies

 

two-clarice-cliff-pitchers-and-a-centerpiece-bowlThe-pitchers-in-the-'Bizarre'-'Zap'-and-'Berries'-patterns,-athens-shape,-the-bowl-'Kandine'-pattern,-

Two Clarice Cliff pitchers and a centerpiece bowl

The pitchers in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Zap’ and ‘Berries’ patterns, Athens shape, the bowl in a ‘Kandine’ pattern, together with a Crown Devon, Clarice Cliff style jug

Christies

 

 

Three-art-deco-clarice-cliff-plates---In-the-‘Bizzare’-‘Lightning’,-‘Original-Bizarre’-and-‘Bizarre’-‘Swirls’-patterns

Three Art Deco Clarice Cliff plates

In the ‘Bizzare’ ‘Lightning’, ‘Original Bizarre’ and ‘Bizarre’ ‘Swirls’ patterns

12 inch dia.   Christies

 

 

Three-clarice-cliff-jugs in the 'Fantasque' 'Fruit', 'Fantasque' 'Lily' and a 'Bizarre' pattern, the first 1928.

Three Clarice Cliff jugs in the ‘Fantasque’ ‘Fruit’, ‘Fantasque’ ‘Lily’ and a ‘Bizarre’ pattern, the first 1928.

Christies

 

Clarice Cliff 'Fantasque Bizarre' 'Xanthic' vase & 'Bizarre' 'Xavier' vase

Clarice Cliff Art Deco vases – Comprising a ‘Fantasque Bizarre’ ‘Xanthic’ vase & ‘Bizarre’ ‘Xavier’ vase

Christies

 

three-clarice-cliff-pitchers-and-a-centerpiece-bowl-The pitchers in the 'Fantasque' 'Autumn' pattern, athens shape, the bowl in the 'Rudyard' pattern

Clarice Cliff pitchers in the ‘Fantasque’ ‘Autumn’ pattern, Athens shape, the bowl in the ‘Rudyard’ pattern

Christies

 

 

Two-Art Deco Clarice-Cliff tea sets

Two Art Deco Clarice Cliff tea sets

The first in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Moonflower’ pattern, stamford shape comprising: a teapot and cover, sugar bowl, creamer, cup and saucer and side plate, the second comprising a teapot, two cups and saucers, a side-plate, creamer and sugar bowl, in the ‘Bizarre’ ‘Secrets’ pattern, bonjour shape

Christies

 

 

Two-Clarice-Cliff-vases-The-first-‘Sunrise’,-the-second-‘Arabesque’

Clarice Cliff cylinder vases — The first ‘Sunrise’, the second ‘Arabesque’

11 inch height — Christies

 

 

Two-clarice-cliff-vases The first in the ‘Love Birds’ pattern, the second ‘Stile & Trees’

Clarice Cliff vases – The first in the ‘Love Birds’ pattern, the second ‘Stile & Trees’

Christies

 

 

Four-clarice-cliff-jugs-and-two-coffee-pots-and-covers

Two ‘Latona’ jugs in the ‘Dahlia’ and ‘Bouquet’ patterns, a ‘Bizarre’ ‘Sunburst’ pattern jug, an ‘Applique’ ‘Blossom’ pattern jug and two ‘Bizarre’ coffee pots in the ‘Lydiat’

Christies

 

Auction Catalogue   – concludes Aug 25

 

Clarice Cliff teacups

 

 

 

 

 

1 Comment

  1. David Spain
    Posted August 22, 2017 at 2:25 pm | Permalink

    There simply is no doubt about it: the work of Clarice Cliff stands alone at the very top of (semi)mass produced Deco-era ceramics. Deco Noritake (my passion) is amazing but, at best, it is a distant second to CC’s inspired and original designs (many Deco Noritake images are very derivative). Have seen many books on, and many actual pieces of, CC’s work–a point I make only to indicate that my excitement is not from her work being a new area for me. It is simply the best.

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