Not only that, it also had the even more desirable quality of extreme rarity. The 8in (20cm) high spill vase known as shape 469, is a fairly rare form in any case but when it does come up it usually has a floral pattern: Phillips know of no other version with this decoration of an ocean liner which is thought to be the decor originally intended for the 469 shape. Certainly the highly distinctive design suits the tall flaring shape well and what better decorative motif to epitomise the Art Deco era than a streamlined 1930’s ocean liner (unless perhaps it is Clarice’s Age of Jazz dancers and musicians)?
Phillips’ vase, which had come from an overseas vendor, also had an attractively pitched estimate of £2800-3000. Their specialist Johanna Friedwall thought it would exceed that level, as was confirmed by the pre-sale interest although given the exact lack of precedent she was not sure by how much.
In the event interest from major Clarice Cliff dealers and collectors was enough to take it to £13,000, matching the top sums paid for those iconic Age of Jazz models and providing the highest price of this 332-lot auction of Clarice and Moorcroft Pottery.
Although the Clarice Cliff provided the bigger prices, demand was rather patchy – focussing on the stylish rarities such as the liner vase, a large wall charger decorated with a Farmhouse pattern that was taken to £7800 or the two bookends modelled as a Golly and Teddy that fetched £3500 and £4500.
Top Moorcroft price was £6200 paid for a pair of 11in (28cm) high vases decorated with the Landscape design.
Classy and stylish – Cliff liner cruises home
UK: Sleek, stylish, Art Deco abstraction is what counts most in a design for Clarice Cliff collectors and this piece, which came up for sale at Phillips (15/10% buyer’s premium) on July 5 possessed it in spades.
