Michael Cardew (British, 1901-1983), Gin Bottle, 1946

Stoneware, grey green glaze with blue painted lines and incised lettering, impressed MC and Volta Pottery seals H 24.9cm, D 10.5cm PROVENANCE: Collection of the late Michael Ensor. Commissioned directly from the artist. Then by descent to the present owner. REFERENCE: This bottle (together with lots 31 and 32) are from the collection of the late Michael Ensor. Michael Ensor was posted to Ada in Ghana in 1946 to work as District Commissioner, during which time he met and became friends with Michael Cardew, who was around 20 miles upriver in Vume. This bottle is of particular significance as it was commissioned from Cardew directly by Ensor. Michael Ensor wrote of the commission, 'I was able to do him a few simple favours which he decided to repay by making me a pot. Asked what sort of pot I would like, I said I needed a gin decanter and I fancied one in the form of an old leather bottle. In retrospect I realise this must have seemed to Michael a pretty philistine idea: nevertheless he produced this decanter for me.' LITERATURE: Tanya Harrod, 'The Last Sane Man: Michael Cardew', Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 2012, p.210, 'Ensor ordered bricks from Michael to rebuild the Government Resthouse in Sogankope and as soon as Michael began producing glazed wares he bought bowls and jugs and commissioned a decanter for gin. Michael produced an elegant grey glaze bottle form with raised letters.' CONDITION: Perfect condition with no damage or restoratio ceramics

Estimate:$535.3

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