Pichet décoratif Michael Cardew (attribué) @ Winchcombe poterie vente 15 cm #2557

I bought this jug at auction as being a Winchcombe pottery jug which had been attributed by a very reputable auction house to Michael Cardew.

I have a lot of Cardew's work in my collection and I was aware that this piece only had the Winchcombe stamp impressed in the base.

That said there is evidence to show that the piece was in fact produced at Winchcombe by Cardew despite the lack of his personal stamp.

John Edgeler was a lover of country pottery and a collector and archivist of Winchcombe pottery and in particular Michael Cardew's work whilst at Winchcombe given that's where John lived.

John wrote several excellent books on the subject including the one I have referenced at the end of my listing.

“Michael Cardew and the West Country Slipware tradition”

I have reproduced photographs from the book from pages 78, 87 & 135.

The first photograph shows 3 milk jugs produced by Cardew c. 1930. The one depicted top right which I have isolated is almost identical in shape, glaze, dimensions and Slipware decoration to the point that in my opinion the jug from page 78 was produced by the same hand as my jug.

The photograph on page 87 is another jug by Cardew, with similar Slipware decoration albeit the area which is decorated is larger than on the ‘milk jug' and consequently the decoration is elongated.

My asking price reflects the age and generally good condition of the jug which is almost an antique.

It does have some fritting of the edge of the handle and two small areas of loss of the Slipware as last photographs after the images of the impressed mark.

I can only provide the evidence and my opinion but obviously the decision regarding production is yours.