Prices for Clarice peaked around the turn of the century and have since fallen. As suggested by this most recent market test, it is now a good piece of Clarice which makes more than £500 and only a couple of group lots tipped four figures. It would not be difficult to find examples of the same form and pattern selling a decade or more ago for two and three times these sums.
But enthusiasts of the best of British Deco should take note. The great rarities in the Clarice market are still expensive but, perhaps for the first time since the 1980s – and the arrival of a collectors club and numerous books on the subject – it is now primarily a buyer’s market.
Pictured here is a selection of ten highlights from the sale on January 16. The buyer’s premium was 25%.
1. Clarice Cliff Bizarre lotus jug
Clarice Cliff Bizarre single handled lotus jug in the Rudyard pattern, 29cm high – £800 (estimate £300-£500).
2. Clarice Cliff Fantasque vase
Clarice Cliff Fantasque 451 shape vase in the Summerhouse pattern, 20cm high – £650 (estimate £300-£500).
in the Summerhouse pattern, 20cm high – £650 (estimate £300-£500).
3. Clarice Cliff Fantasque sandwich plate
Clarice Cliff Fantasque fluted sandwich plate in the Orange Roof Cottage pattern, 25cm – £270 (estimate £200-£300).
4. Clarice Cliff Bizarre Viking longboat
Clarice Cliff Bizarre Viking longboat in the Gayday pattern, 41cm wide – £380 (estimate £300-£500).
5. Clarice Cliff book vase
Clarice Cliff book vase in the Glendale pattern, 12.5cm high – £750 (estimate £100-£150).
6. Clarice Cliff nursey teapot
Clarice Cliff Bizarre nursey chicken teapot, 16cm high – £200 (estimate £100-£150).
7. Clarice Cliff Bizarre coffee set
Clarice Cliff Bizarre coffee set in the Solomon pattern – £800 (estimate £500-£700).
8. Clarice Cliff Bizarre tea set
Clarice Cliff Bizarre part tea set in the Orange Hydrangea pattern with a Stamford shape teapot and milk jug, three conical cups and saucers, and side plate – £800 (estimate £300-£500).
9. Clarice Cliff Orange Trees pattern vase
Clarice Cliff Fantasque 367 shape vase in the Orange Trees and House pattern, 20cm high – £400 (estimate £100-£200).
10. Clarice Cliff finned double tube vase
Clarice Cliff finned double tube vase in the Delicia pattern, 18.5cm high – £420 (estimate £100-£200).
