Michael Cardew (British, 1901-1983), Lidded Bowl, circa 1947

Stoneware, grey glaze with iron painted fish design to the lid and interior of the bowl, impressed MC seals H 9.5cm, D 19.0cm PROVENANCE: Collection of the late Michael Ensor. Acquired directly from the artist. Then by descent to the present owner. REFERENCE: This lidded bowl (together with lots 30 and 32) are from the collection of the late Michael Ensor. Michael Ensor was posted to Ada in 1946 and worked as the local Assistant District Officer, during which time he met and became friends with Michael Cardew, who was around 20 miles upriver in Vume from where Ensor was based. They lost touch after Ensor left his post in 1947, but re-connected later during Cardew's time at Abuja when he came to stay with Ensor in Lagos. A number of works were gifted from Cardew to Ensor during their acquaintance, including this lidded bowl. LITERATURE: Tanya Harrod, 'The Last Sane Man: Michael Cardew', Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 2012; a similar lidded dish from the British Council Collection illustrated, no.29. Michael Ensor is also referenced here, Harrod notes of Cardew's time at Volta Pottery in Vume pp.209-10, ‘One of his first friends and supporters was the local Assistant District Officer Michael Ensor...Despite the difference in age, Ensor liked Michael, who was the only European upstream within fifty miles...Ensor would call with a reassuring copy of the New Statesman or some tinned cheese or powdered milk.' CONDITION: Perfect condition with no damage or restoratio ceramics

Estimate:$802.96

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