All things wear a luster which is the gift of the present and a tarnish of time. Ralph Waldo Emerson

{HISTORY}

This almost antique Clinchfield serving bowl is a rare gem among Southern pottery makers. In operation from 1916 to 1957, Clinchfield Pottery based in Erwin, Tennessee was a favorite everyday dish manufacturer among American households during the early part of the 20th century. Prized for both their hand-painted and decorative transferware patterns, Clinchfield dishes are a challenge to find now because so many pieces were so heavily used on a daily basis that most were eventually discarded due to wear and tear or breakage. Pieces that have survived into our new century are now highly prized and collected by china aficionados around the world. 

Initially trained by Ohio craftsmen who taught simple yet pretty hand-painting designs, and easy to apply transferware techniques to the new unskilled workers at Clinchfield, this serving bowl contains both a transferware medallion and hand-painting around the rim and inner bowl. Boasting a pretty shade of cantaloupe, the rim is glazed with a lustreware finish which produces a subtle iridescent glow when held up to the light. Evidence of an artist-in-training can be seen in the slightly offset center medallion, and a slight bit of painting outside the lines on the inner rim of the bowl.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Rare American Clinchfield pottery

- Colors include tomato red, celery green, butter yellow, pale grayish blue, black and cantaloupe

- Lustreware finish

- Wonderful aged patina with crazing and age spots

- Marked on bottom with the Clinchfield S.P.I. China crown backstamp with the production date of 10-20 (October 1920) 

{CONDITION}

In strong, sturdy, full functioning condition. There are two small chips (less than half an inch in size)  on the underside rim of one handle. There is some rub marks on the lustreware section of the rim as well as 1 1/2" inch hairline crack near the run mid-way down the rim to the bowl. This crack does not affect the bowl's use in any way.  There is also some light fading /rub marks on the medallion, giving it a gorgeous, aged appeal. 

{SIZE}

Measures 11.5" inches (length x 9.75" inches (width) x 1.75" inches (height).

{STYLE IDEA} 

In addition to being a pretty serving piece, this bowl also makes a beautiful table centerpiece filled with water and floating candles. The candlelight bounces off the lustreware rim and casts gorgeous light in all directions which makes it especially pretty for nighttime dinner parties.