Circa 1930 Blue Ridge Southern Potteries “Stephanie” Amphora Shaped Vase

Description

This beauty belonged to my mom, who was an avid Blue Ridge Southern Potteries collector. The whimsical pattern, Stephanie, consists … more This beauty belonged to my mom, who was an avid Blue Ridge Southern Potteries collector. The whimsical pattern, Stephanie, consists of purple clematis (I believe) on both the front and back with a playful medley of vines, leaves and other foliates scattered about the rest of the vase. Handcrafted sometime in the late 1930s to early 1940s, the pattern, Stephanie, is one of four patterns used exclusively for this amphora shaped vase. Each piece was hand painted so no two vases will ever be alike. It is believed that Blue Ridge Southern Potteries created between 4,000 and 5,000 different patterns, however, most of the records have been lost or destroyed over the years. Another quirky fact, the company did not name the patterns because they operated basically on a numbering system. Most patterns have been given names by collectors over the years, therefore, you might have a description in a reference guide that refers to a pattern by one name and then find the same design in another source listed with a different name. There is a makers mark on the bottom that is pretty worn but the official pattern number is 525/4. It measures just shy of 8” high; 5” handle-to-handle width taken from the center; 3” base diameter; 2” lip diameter; weight 14 oz.; crafted from hand painted bisque china; colors are shades of purple (muted), pale cranberry, yellow, green, black and brown on a milky white background; handcrafted in Erwin, TN. In excellent condition with minimal use wear evident. To be expected with vintage earthenware, the vase has minimal mottling that is located mostly on the rim of the lip and on the very lower portion of the base (see photos), none which affects the aesthetic or beauty of the vase. It's a perfect addition to a collection if you’re a Blue Ridge Southern Potteries collector or know someone who is! Thanks for looking! less