Earthenware Bowl with Hand-painted Fish Pattern
MakerMade by
Michael Cardew
(Wimbledon, London, England, 1901 - 1983)
MakerMade at
Volta Pottery
(Vumé, Dugamé, Ghana, 1942 - 1948)
StudentTaught by
Bernard Leach
(Hong Kong, 1887 - 1979)
CollectorCollected by
Sandy Dunbar
(London, England, 1929 - 2012)
Date1945-1948
Object NameBowl
Mediumstoneware
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall (Height x Diameter): 72 × 260mm
Base (Diameter): 143mm
Base (Diameter): 143mm
AcquisitionThe Sandy Dunbar Studio Ceramics Collection presented in 2023 by Crinan Dunbar and Rebecca Russell.
Copyright© the copyright holder
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS095708.13
About MeThis stoneware bowl is decorated with a pair of hand-painted fish in black and red on a green and red glaze.
It was made by Michael Cardew whilst he was based in Africa. From 1942 to 1948 Cardew worked at Volta Pottery in Vumé Dugamé on the Volta River, Ghana (known then as the Gold Coast). He introduced wheel-made pottery and stoneware to local pupils, and at the same time developed and extended the range of his own work.
There were many technical problems at Volta Pottery resulting in disastrous firings and few successful pieces.