Cowan Pottery Art Deco Ceramic Sculpture Margarita Waylande Gregory

Description

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Limited-edition ceramic sculpture Margarita (1929), designed by Waylande Gregory for Cowan Pottery. No more than 50 examples were made by Cowan. In 1929, this work was awarded a 1st Prize at the annual May Show of regional arts and crafts, organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Gregory captures the anguish and obsession in the story of Margarita and Faust, as related by Gounod in his famous opera. This scene does not appear in the opera. But at one point, Margarita takes their baby out into the wintry blast. You can feel the bitter winds blowing, as she bends against the squall. This glaze is called Clair de Lune (or "moonlight blue"). It reminds me of ice blue, especially in this instance.
You can also find more details and background information in COWAN POTTERY AND THE CLEVELAND SCHOOL.
Measures about 15.5" tall x 11". Do note that there is a long firing line and associated hairline (from the making), on the back side of the base and apparently originating underneath. This sort of manufacturing flaw is typically forgivable on Cowan Pottery's rare limited-edition figures, as can be seen by the June 17, 2021 hammer price of ,450 (including 30% buyer premium) earned by a Burlesque Dancer with a similar issue on the FRONT of the base. See https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/104482737_waylande-gregory-cowan-pottery-burlesque-dancer.
I am Mark Bassett, a long-time collector, dealer, and researcher specializing in American art pottery. Buy with confidence!
As a member of the American Art Pottery Association (AAPA), I guarantee my merchandise to be as described. If you are unhappy for any reason, you are also welcome to return the piece, but will need to pay shipping both ways (if any), in addition to any fees I am charged by either ebay or Paypal.
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